Fishermen Trained in Seaweed Cultivation and Cage Farming

Rapid Summary

• A three-day training on seaweed and sea cage farming was conducted at the Mandapam Regional Center of ICAR-CMFRI from June 18 to 20.
• The training program was aimed at fishers and fisheries officials from Puducherry and Karaikal district.
• It was inaugurated by K.T. Gopinath, Deputy Director of Fisheries, with Principal Scientist Vinod K presiding over the event. Principal Scientist G tamilmani offered felicitations.
• The valedictory address was delivered by M. Sivakumar, who also distributed certificates to participants.
• A total of 18 fisherwomen, two fishermen, and four fisheries officials received training on bamboo raft method and tube-net method for seaweed farming, preparation of HDPE cages for sea cage farming, among other techniques.
• Participants were given hands-on experience through field trips to a seaweed farm and processing unit as part of the program.

Indian Opinion Analysis
This initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable marine aquaculture development in India by equipping local fishers with modern methods like bamboo raft systems for seaweed cultivation and HDPE cages for mariculture practices. Such programs not only provide valuable skills but could enhance economic opportunities in coastal regions like Puducherry and Karaikal districts where livelihoods are closely tied to fishing activities.

With growing global demand for aquatic produce such as processed seaweeds due to their nutritional value and industrial applications, this training also aligns with India’s broader efforts toward promoting sustainable marine economies through skill development at grass-root levels.

However, scalability remains crucial-extensive engagement across multiple coastal communities may be needed before large-scale benefits can be realized nationally within aquaculture sectors.

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