Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, the doyen of Indian Agricultural Research and Education inaugurated “Brackishwater Aquaculture Farmers Conclave – 2019. Prof. Swaminathan, in his address, highlighted the importance of fisheries in food and nutritional security, doubling the income of fish farmers and environmentally friendly aquaculture.
The programme registered total participation by about 1,200 participants including 950 aqua farmers representing all the coastal states, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
The conclave was organized by the Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture in collaboration with the Society of Coastal Aquaculture and Fisheries (SCAFi). The programme will be followed by a Pan-Indian assembly of brackishwater aquaculture farmers in connection with the World Brackishwater Aquaculture Conference (BRAQCON-2019) from 23rd to 25th January - 2019 at the campus of CIBA, Chennai.
The Chief Guest of the programme, Shri Thiru D. Jayakumar, Minister for Fisheries, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Government of Tamil Nadu released the diagnostic kits, publications, mobile app - CIBA Shrimpapp. The Minister also inaugurated the Aquaculture Expo and Seafood court.
Dr. K. Gopal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Government of Tamil Nadu along with Dr. B. Meenakumari, Chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority (NBA); Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR; Shri N. Vasudevan, Additional Principal Conservator of Forest, Mangrove Foundation, Government of Maharashtra and Dr. K.K. Vijayan, Director, CIBA and Convener, Braqcon-2019 participated in the conclave.
Around 30 innovative farmers from all coastal states and Haryana presented their innovative approaches and success stories in brackishwater aquaculture.
