Field day cum mussel harvest programme at Kodi, Udupi, Karnataka

   

    A fisheries field day and green mussel harvest programme was held on 11 April 2025 at Kodi village in Udupi coastal district of Karnataka. The event was jointly organized by ICAR-CCARI, Goa, ICAR-KVK, Udupi, Brahmavara, and Udupi Kinara Fish Farmer Producer Organization (FFPO).

    The programme was graced by several dignitaries, including Shri A. Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Hon’ble MLA of Kundapura Constituency; Shri Chandra Shekhar Naik, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Udupi; Shri Ravi H. and Shri Sachin Puthran, Assistant Directors of Fisheries (Udupi and Kumta respectively); Shri Ravindra Thingalaya, Grama Panchayat Member, Kotathattu; Smt. Arpitha Brahmavar from the Centre for Financial Literacy (Udupi – Mother RON NGO); Shri Gangadhar Naik, District Coordinator (FPO), SCODWES, Udupi; and Smt. Baby Mendon, President of Amrutheshwari Farmers Producer Company Ltd.

    Inaugurating the harvest event of 1.5 ton of green mussels cultured in the Sastana estuary, Shri Kiran Kumar Kodgi emphasized the immense potential of estuaries and brackish waters as hubs for fisheries resources, traditional livelihoods, and economic development. He commended the farmers for their dedication and assured continued support for their efforts.

    Progressive mussel farmers were also felicitated during the event. Ms. Sushmitha, Smt. Geetha Shrinivas Kharvi, Smt. Sharada Krishna Kharvi, and Shri Ganapa Poojari were hononred for their efforts in green mussel culture

    Dr. Sadananda Acharya, Scientist (Fisheries), ICAR-KVK, Brahmavara, congratulated the farmers and encouraged them to explore multiscale fisheries activities within the estuary. Dr. Sreekanth G.B., Senior Scientist (FRM), ICAR-CCARI, Goa highlighted the significance of estuarine aquaculture as a traditional yet valuable livelihood system. He stressed the importance of conserving and strengthening this system while encouraging farmers to diversify into other farming practices such as cage culture, crab and oyster farming, and integrated systems.

    The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri Sudina, Managing Director of Udupi Kinara FFPO. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the farmers and all stakeholders for their active participation, guidance, and collaborative efforts in promoting fisheries-based livelihoods. Over hundred farmers and green mussel entrepreneurs (about 60 women, 25 SC) participated in the event.