Matsya Samrudhi Project to Usher in Blue Revolution

Eyeing blue revolution through aquaculture development, the Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA) of the Fisheries Department, with the support of the local bodies, is implementing a project called Matsya Samrudhi in Omasseri grama panchayat. As part of the project, as many as two lakh fish seeds have been stocked in Koodathai- Thonikadavu in Iru Thulli river. K Reghu, who was Fisheries Deputy Director at the time of launch of the project, says the focus of the project is to increase the annual inland fish production of the district. The seeds of fish, including catla, rohu and mrigal, have been stocked in Iru Thulli river. However, it is not easy to get the seeds of fish like mackerel and catfish. In his words, excessive exploitation of water bodies has adversely affected the growth of fish in open water. The Matsya Samrudhi project has been introduced to address the obstacles in the way of aquaculture. The other objectives of the project include utilisation of maximum inland water resources, bringing more individuals to the aquaculture sector, increasing fish availability in domestic markets, providing the cheapest and nutritious food and creating new employment opportunities in rural areas. To make the public aware of the need to protect fish wealth, the fisheries department has been conducting various programmes like meetings, seminars, workshops and classes on the utilisation of open water bodies and awareness on the role of eco-friendly aquaculture in providing food and employment. Reghu says that at present aquaculture is the only way to meet the increasing demand of aqua products. Omasseri grama panchayat has great potential in ranching since there are several open water bodies. MLA V M Ummer Master inaugurated the project at Iruthulli river at a function last week. As the second phase of ranching, more farmers club will be formed in the region. “If the farmers are ready to take up fish farming, they can make a good profit out of it,” says Omassery grama panchayat president K M Komalavally. Hoping for a drastic improvement in inland water fish production, she says the panchayat also plans to attract more farmers to fish farming. A farmer in Omasseri grama panchayat, Kunhiraman T, says, “Only after getting proper training, farmers can take up fish farming.”

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

Utilisation of maximum inland water resources To bring more individuals to the aquaculture sector To increase fish availability in domestic markets To provide cheapest and nutritious food To create new employment opportunities in rural areas