Farmer-Scientist Interaction on Ornamental Fish Farming and breeding at Cumbarjua, Tiswadi, Goa

            ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Goa, organized an interactive session with members of a Self-Help Group (SHG) engaged in ornamental fish farming at their ornamental fish farm unit in Cumbarjua, Tiswadi, Goa, which was established under the NABARD project. The session aimed to explore opportunities for strengthening ornamental fish farming and its market potential in the region.

            The program was conducted on 10^th February 2025, in the presence of Shri Rupesh C. Bhamoikar, District Development Manager (DDM), NABARD, Margao, Goa and Shri Trivesh S. Mayekar, Scientist (Fish Genetics and Breeding), ICAR-CCARI, Goa and the members of the SHG, Cumbarjua, Tiswadi, Goa. The session commenced with a warm welcome by Shri Trivesh S. Mayekar, who introduced the dignitaries and highlighted the objectives of the interaction. The discussion primarily focused on promotion of ornamental fish marketing in Goa, disease management in ornamental fish farming, and the conservation and promotion of indigenous ornamental fish species from Goa.

            The farmer members of the Self-Help Group requested support for setting up an ornamental fish breeding setup. In response, Shri Rupesh C. Bhamoikar, DDM, NABARD, advised the SHG to submit a grant proposal through the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) to avail financial assistance from NABARD. The interaction served as a significant step towards strengthening Goa’s ornamental fishery sector by fostering collaboration among researchers, financial institutions, and local entrepreneurs. The event was coordinated by Shri Trivesh Mayekar and Dr. G. B. Sreekanth (Scientists at ICAR-CCARI), along with Mr. Harshvardhan Shetye (Young Professional - I).