The successful intervention initiated in 2019 in 72 coconut homestead gardens of Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP) was continued with all conviction and confidence by more farmers as a major income source. All the participating farmers prepared the ponds for fish farming after de-silting, cleaning and put up nets and borders. During the Covid period fish farmers could market fresh fish at premium price, which was in high demand and awareness on the scope of pond revival and fresh fish availability built up in the society. The willingness in continued adoption of the scientific fish farming was ably supported by providing fish fingerlings of Nile Thilapia and Anabus, with 40 % contribution from participating farmers and 60 % from FFP, to a total 52000 fish fingerlings. The initiation of the pond fisheries during 2020-21 was done on 25.6.2020 at FFP Pathiyoor observing covid 19 break the chain protocol. The first set of fingerlings was handed over by Mr. Sukumaran, President, Pathiyoor panchayath and in his inaugural speech he lauded the efforts of ICAR CPCRI FFP in evolving a socially responsible model of agriculture self sufficiency through participatory linkages and convergence. Mr. Jithin Shaju, SRF welcomed the farmers and Dr. Anithakumari. P, Principal Scientist & PI (FFP) proposed vote of thanks

The farmers are motivated with the market demand for fresh fish and the income of Rs. 34000.00 realized per unit on an average besides improvement in consumption of protein rich fish in the panchayath. FFP paved the steps for adoption of viable commercial rural units being adopted in neighboring panchayaths also. The major need expressed by the farming community is the setting up of a fingerling production unit for supporting with quality fingerlings.