Mandapam, Tamil Nadu – Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and Shri Subhash Chandra, Director of the Department of Fisheries (GoI), recently visited the seaweed cultivation site at Munikkadu village in the Mandapam region. Accompanied by scientists from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and fisheries officers from the Government of Tamil Nadu, the delegation toured the Palk Bay area, interacting with local fish farmers engaged in seaweed farming.
The visit aimed to assess the impact of seaweed farming on the local economy and environment. Shri Sagar Mehra praised the sustainable and eco-friendly practice, highlighting its benefits for coastal communities and environmental conservation. Shri Subhash Chandra emphasized the importance of government support and scientific research in optimizing seaweed cultivation, advocating for advanced techniques and financial assistance to ensure the sector’s scalability and success.
During the visit, scientists from ICAR-CMFRI shared insights into the latest advancements in seaweed farming, discussing methods to improve yield, quality, and marketability. Interactions with fish farmers provided valuable feedback on their experiences and challenges, with farmers expressing gratitude for the support received from the government and research institutions. The visit concluded with a commitment to strengthen collaboration between government bodies, research institutes, and local communities to promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
Source: Dept of Fisheries (GoI)
