ICAR-CIBA organized a Farmers-Scientists meet on the occasion of ‘Krsihi Unnathi Mela’ and Prime ministers address, along with the project workshop on “Poverty alleviation through prevention and future control of the two major socioeconomically important diseases in Asian aquaculture’ and National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) on 17th of March, 2018 at Elavoor Village in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu”. On that occasion live streaming of Honourable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi ji address to the farming community was webcast.
Dr Shashi Shekhar, Principal Investigator of the project outlined the initiatives and outcomes on the project at Elavoor village. Project partners and aquaculture Scientists Dr Chris Hauton from University of Southampton, United Kingdom and Dr.Salam from Bangladesh Agricultural University, shared their experiences on the management of aquaculture diseases and interacted with the farmers. They emphasized that disease surveillance and Best Management Practices would help to reduce the risks in shrimp culture and able to maintain sustainability. Dr C P Balasubramanian, Head of Division Crustacean Culture, Dr.G.Gopikrishna Head of Division, Nutrition Genetics and Biotechnology Dr Sahul Hameed, Associate Professor from C Abdul Hakeem College, Melvisharam, Vellore district, and Dr R Saraswathy, Principal Scientist Aquatic Animal Health and Environment Division spoke on different methods and approaches for achieving higher productivity in shrimp culture. Soil Health Cards prepared by CIBA was distributed to 30 farmers of Elavoor village during the meet.
Shri Paramilam, Shri Purushotaman and Shri Sadgurunarayanan, farmers from the village also spoke on the occasion and interacted with CIBA Scientist and Shri Velu, Assistant Director of Tamil Nadu State Fisheries Department, highlighted risks involved in the shrimp production and promised the support of the State Government on land leasing policy for undertaking shrimp culture. Earlier Dr C V Sairam, Scientist-in-Charge Social Science Division welcomed the gathering and the meet concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Dr.A Nagavel.
