Kick-off of Mussel Harvest from On-Bottom Culture at Kundapura, Udupi

    The harvest of mussels cultivated through the on-bottom culture method commenced on 14 June 2025 at Kundapura, in the Panchagangavali estuary, Udupi coastal district, Karnataka. Shri Ravi Kharvi, a nationally awarded progressive fish farmer, initiated this venture in the estuary. Dr. Sreekanth G. B., Senior Scientist (FRM), ICAR-CCARI, provided scientific support, including guidance on system design, seed sourcing, seeding techniques, placement in the estuary, routine monitoring and maintenance, and strategies to mitigate challenges such as tidal fluctuations and salinity drops. He advised the farmer to expedite harvesting to minimize potential stock losses due to the ongoing monsoon and salinity variations. A partial harvest of 500 kg was successfully carried out, during which the mussels were removed from the bed, cleaned, sorted, and packed in gunny bags. The harvested mussels were marketed to buyers from Kozhikode and Badakara regions of Kerala. During the visit, Dr. Sreekanth G. B. commended Shri Ravi Kharvi for his exemplary efforts and assured continued support for both mussel and fish farming, including marketing initiatives.