India’s ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute’s (CMFRI) has reported that a mussel farming initiative launched to benefit low-income communities in Kodungallur has proved a huge success, with two self-help groups from 15 families attaining a yield of 1.7 tonnes of mussels during a recent harvest mela.
The six month-long mussel farming undertaken in Kodungallur’s backwaters was part of CMFRI’s Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) scheme aimed at uplifting the living standards of the SC families.
CMFRI’s efforts to popularise this less expensive farming method among the community yielded a good result with the farmers achieving a bumper harvest with good growth rate. Shell-on mussels are expected to fetch a market price between Rs. 200-250 per kg.
The institute installed two mussel farms made of GI pipes for members of 15 SC families in Kodungallur Municipality in December last year and offered all the required scientific and technical support, enabling the community to engage in a sustainable aquaculture.
CMFRI scientists regularly monitored the farming and offered support to the farmers to improve the growth.
The Harvest Mela was inaugurated by Adv V S Binil, Vice Chairman of Kodungallur Municipality. Appreciating the initiative, he said the venture would greatly help in promoting the livelihood opportunities for the community and improving their living standards.
CMFRI scientists also highlighted the potential of this farming model in empowering marginalised coastal communities.
