ICAR - CPCRI - Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP) felicitated three model fish farmers under Natural Resource Management module of FFP and organized scientific training on pond fish farming in connection with the World Fisheries day, November, 2021 and as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The programs were at ‘Murni fish farm’ in ward 16, Pathiyoor FFP Panchayath under strict covid protocol on 22 November. The programme started at 10.00 AM with ICAR theme song.

Dr. P. Anithakumari, PS & PI (FFP), ICAR-CPCRI, RS, Kayamkulam, delivered the welcome speech and she pointed out the activities and achievements of FFP at Pathiyoor panchayath for the past five years. She also expressed immense gratitude towards the stakeholders for their support and cooperation in growing the program as a participatory integrated agricultural devepment through technology integration. Smt. Anitha Rajendran, Member Ward 16, Pathiyoor panchayath gave the presidential address and Smt. L. Usha, President, Pathiyoor panchayath inaugurated the function and the farmers were felicitated with certificate and mementos. Members from various wards of Pathiyoor panchayath also attended the function. Three model FFP fish farmers, Mr. Sivaprasad (Ward 16) Integrated fish units such as biofloc, natural pond fisheries and artificial pond is being maintained along with azolla unit for feed, Mr. Ashokan, Thandasseril (Ward 16) who is a retired bank employee reaped a rich harvest and income of more Rs. 1.64 lakhs from his pond fisheries and continuing for the last 4 years and Mrs. Reshmi Sreekumar (Ward 2) had an IFS unit with 4 fish ponds cultivates anabas abd tilapia providing fresh fishes to the community besides poultry, vegetables, coconut and spices were honored.

Mrs. Fathima S. Hameed, Fisheries Extension Officer Kayamkulam, Mrs. Saleena, Mrs. Surumi, Fisheries Aquaculture Promoters from Department of Fisheries, Kerala handled sessions on various schemes and programs of fisheries department, Kerala and scientific fish farming techniques to achieve better yield and income through fish cultivation.

The programme was attented by 42 fish farmers from various wards of FFP panchayath. Shri. Jithin Shaju, Senior Research Fellow, FFP, CPCRI RS, Kayamkulam proposed vote of thanks and the programme was came to an end with national anthem at 2 PM.