The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) has received national recognition with a farmer who adopted the technologies of the institute bagging the prestigious Jagjivan Ram Innovative Farmer award of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Shri.T Purushothaman, a leading shrimp farmer from Kerala won the award which is in recognition of his outstanding contributions for the development of diversified aquaculture practices utilising the technological advancements. An experienced aqua-farmer who specially focuses on farming indigenous species by strictly following scientific principles, Shri Purushothaman adopted various technologies of the CIBA, which helped him develop innovative practices such as zero water exchange system of indigenous shrimp farming and multi-trophic species diversification. The award includes a cash cheque of Rs 50,000 and citation.
Utilising the brackishwater resources, both ponds and open water bodies, he optimised his farm resources by integrating farming of brackishwater fish and shrimp with vegetable cultivation on farm bunds. Mr Purushothaman used indigenous shrimps species such as (Tiger shrimp and Indian white shrimp), Asian seabass, milkfish, pearlspot and green mussel for the farming by adopting novel farming systems like cages, pens and rope culture methods which in turn helped him enhance his overall production and profit. Purushothaman, who hails from Kannur, is operating 4.5 ha water spread area and two acres of aquaculture ponds.
During the last five years, this is the fourth time the CIBA is bagging ICAR’s fish farmer award.