The Malabar region, encompassing Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts, witnessed a significant surge in green mussel production in 2022, thanks to active participation by farmers.
According to a study report presented by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), mussel farming saw a remarkable 160% increase compared to 2021, while green mussel landings increased by 15%.
Padanna in Kasaragod district contributed significantly to the production, with major landings recorded at Moodadi beach in Kozhikode, followed by Thalassery, Kozhikode south beach, and Elathur. The availability of mussel spats in the sea encouraged more farmers to engage in mussel farming.
However, researchers expressed concern about the decline in mussel prices and suggested addressing this issue through the production and marketing of value-added products from green mussels.
In addition to the boost in mussel production, marine fish landings in the Malabar region increased by 38%, reaching a total production of 1.99 lakh tonnes in 2022. This rise was attributed to increased landings of Indian oil sardine and mackerel.
The Malabar region, comprising four districts, contributed 29% to the state’s marine fish landings, which total`ed 6.87 lakh tonnes in 2022. The figures were presented by CMFRI’s principal scientist T.M. Najmudeen and scientist V. Mahesh, with the presence of representatives from various sectors in the fisheries industry.