On the occasion of World Soil Day, ICAR- Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai organised “Brackishwater Aquaculture Farmers Meet” at Kolathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu on 5th December 2024. Around 120 fishers from the Kolathur and Kottaikkadu villages participated in the programme. The scientists explained about the impact of soil and water quality on disease occurrence and preventive measures by following the better management practices. Interactions on the aspects of ICAR-CIBA initiatives for the SC and ST farmers, fish farming practices, soil and water sampling protocol and their management for sustainable brackishwater aquaculture and demonstration of the use of Multiparameter water quality kit were held during the event. M. Kailasam, Principal Scientist and HoD Finfish Culture Division & Director I/c, in his presidential address emphasized the importance of soil management for sustainability and economic viability of aquaculture and distributed farm inputs and water quality testing kits under the NICRA-SCSP to the beneficiaries during the programme. Shri Natesa Raja, Inspector of Fisheries, Kadappkkam, Chengalpattu District briefed about the Prime Minister Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMSSY) and other State Fisheries Department schemes meant for fishers were explained for the benefit of farmers. Dr. M. Shashi Shekhar, Principal Scientist and HoD, Aquatic Animal Health and Environment Division, Dr. Deboral Vimala, Dr. R. Jeyakumar, Dr.R. Saraswathy, Principal Scientists, Dr. P. Kumararaja, Dr. R. Geetha, Senior scientists and Dr. A. Nagavel, Assistant Chief Technical Officer coordinated the event.
