ICAR- Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai organised “Brackishwater Aquaculture Farmers Meet” at Ellavur, Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu on 22nd December, 2023 to observe the World Soil Day. About 75 shrimp farmers from the Gummidipoondi taluk participated in the programme. In his presidential address, Dr. M. Muralidhar, Principal Scientist emphasized the importance of maintaining the soil health in shrimp ponds for pond fertility, productivity and free from metabolites. Shri V.K. Gangadharan, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Ponneri explained about the different schemes of Government of India for the aquaculture farmers as well as fishermen under the PMSSY such as subsidy for biofloc culture, processing plants, etc. During the technical session Dr. R.Saraswathy, Principal Scientist and Senior Scientists Dr. R. Ananda Raja, Dr. R. Geetha and Dr. P. Kumararaja explained about the importance of representative soil and water sampling protocols, use of water quality kit, issues in soil and water quality in shrimp aquaculture and their management, causes, symptoms and remedial measures for EHP, new avenues and schemes of shrimp insurance schemes. Mr. Suriya from the Alliance Broker explained the farmers about the procedure to apply for the insurance scheme, eligibility criteria, premium amount and the claim in case of crop failure. Dr. A. Nagavel, Asst. Chief Tech. Officer, CIBA coordinated the meet and proposed the vote of thanks.
