The ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Goa, recently organized an enlightening exposure visit aimed at promoting entrepreneurship in ornamental fish farming. This initiative, part of the NABARD-funded project ‘Entrepreneurship Development and Livelihood Improvement through Demonstration and Training of Sustainable Ornamental Fish Culture in Goa,’ facilitated knowledge exchange and practical insights to bolster the growth of this sector.
Led by Trivesh Mayekar, Principal Investigator & Scientist specializing in Fish Genetics and Breeding at ICAR Old Goa, the visit provided participants with a platform to interact directly with successful entrepreneurs in the field. Rajesh Salgaonkar, a seasoned Ornamental Fish Entrepreneur, shared invaluable insights into establishing and managing successful ornamental fish breeding units.
Participants gained insights into crucial aspects of ornamental fish farming, including water quality management, disease identification, medication practices, feeding strategies, breeding methodologies, marketing strategies, and packing techniques. Emphasis was placed on maintaining a conducive aquatic environment to ensure successful reproduction and population growth.
The exposure visit included a tour of an ornamental hatchery facility, offering first hand exposure to the production of disease-free ornamental fish. Species such as Guppy, Molly, Koi carp, and Goldfish were showcased, providing valuable insights into care protocols essential for successful breeding and maintenance.
A total of 10 members from four Self-Help Groups actively participated in the visit, indicating a growing interest and engagement in ornamental fish farming initiatives within the community.
The event underscored ICAR-CCARI’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and livelihood improvement through practical training and demonstration in sustainable ornamental fish culture. With the knowledge gained from this exposure visit, participants are equipped to venture into ornamental fish farming with confidence, contributing to the growth and sustainability of this sector.
