A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ICAR-CIBA, Chennai, represented by Dr. K.P. Jithendran, Director and Mr. Ganesh, a progressive farmer from Karnataka on 23rd September 2022 for transfer of cage-based pearlspot seed production technology to cater demand of pearlspot seeds for farming in the west coast. Subsequently, on 3rd Oct 2022, scientists of ICAR-CIBA conducted a field demonstration at the farmer site, Byndoor Taluk, Udupi District, Karnataka. Mr. Tanveer Hussain, Scientist, Navsari-Gujarat Research Centre of ICAR-CIBA, presented the welcome address and briefed about the research activities and technical aspects of cost effective cage based seed production of pearlspot. The program was inaugurated by Shri. Ganesh, K., Joint Director of Fisheries, Udupi and highlighted the importance of collaboration between research institute and the stakeholders for the technologies reach the field. Further, he congratulated ICAR-CIBA and the client for handholding initiative to start the pearlspot hatchery in coastal Karnataka. Shri. G.M. Shivakumar, Deputy Director of Fisheries explained about PMMSY scheme and support for hatcheries and aquaculture allied activities. Shri. Shrinivas H. Hulkoti, Scientist, Krishi Vigyana Kendra, Brahmavar, Udupi has expressed that farming and marketing of pearlspot has huge potential in Karnataka. Mr. Ganesh expressed his interest in taking up pearlspot hatchery and thanked ICAR-CIBA for timely support for this initiative. Technical aspects on the establishment of pearlspot hatchery such as fabrication of cages, brooders selection, and setting up of portable seawater circulation system for larval rearing were demonstrated. About 60 fish farmers attended the programme. This event was coordinated by the Institute Technology Management Unit-ABI unit of CIBA.
