Field day cum mussel harvest programme in Chettuva estuary, Kerala

    A field day and mussel harvest programme was conducted on 16 April 2025 at Palazhy in the Chettuva estuary, located in the coastal district of Thrissur, Kerala. Shri Jayesh, a progressive fish farmer, has pioneered mussel culture in the Chettuva estuary—reviving the practice after a gap of nearly a decade. He adopted the rack culture method with financial support from the Manalur Panchayat and the Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala.

    Scientific guidance for the initiative was provided by Dr. Sreekanth G.B., Senior Scientist (FRM), ICAR-CCARI. His support covered all key aspects of the operation, including rack structure design, seed procurement, rope seeding, rack placement, regular monitoring, and maintenance. He also advised on strategies to mitigate challenges posed by tidal fluctuations and rising water temperatures. On his recommendation, an early harvest was initiated to prevent potential stock loss due to increasing temperatures.

    A partial harvest of 30 ropes yielded approximately 120 kg of mussels. The harvested mussels were cleaned, blanched, and the meat was separated and packed for sale. The mussel meat was successfully marketed to local households, restaurants, wholesale dealers, and resorts.

    The programme was also attended by Shri Akash M.S., CEO of the Blue Pearl Fish Farmer Producer Organisation (FFPO), Kodungallur. He commended the farmer’s efforts and assured continued support for the cultivation and marketing of mussels and other fishery products.