ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Cochin, and the State Seed Farm, Okkal, jointly organized a Farmers’ Meet at Okkal Farm Fest 2024 under the Swachhta Action Plan (SAP) on 31st August 2024. The event aimed to bring together farmers, scientists, and agricultural experts to discuss sustainable practices and innovative solutions in agriculture. The Farmers’ Meet was inaugurated by Thomas Samuel, Additional Director of the Department of Agriculture.
Dr V. Geethalakshmi, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer (SAP) at ICAR-CIFT, presented an overview of ICAR-CIFT’s initiatives under the Swachhta Action Plan (SAP). Her presentation highlighted the Institute’s ongoing efforts to promote fish waste management in a scientific way and ensure zero waste in fish value chain. The meet also featured insightful video presentations on the conversion of fish market waste into farm inputs. The production process of compost from food waste was explained by Dr T. Muthulakshmi, Scientist and video on production process was shown. Dr P.K. Binsi, Senior Scientist conducted an interactive session with the fish farmers on “Conversion of fish waste into manure/ aquafeed” which was also followed by a video show on the production process.
After the session, Dr A.A. Zynudheen, Principal Scientist at ICAR-CIFT, and other CIFT scientists interacted with the farmers, answering their queries and offering further expert guidance on the technologies developed by CIFT. Additionally, Dr Leena Paul, Head of the Regional Poultry Centre in Kuruppampadi, and Shri Johny Jose, Deputy Director (RTD) of Department of Agriculture, also took sessions at the meet.
Mr. Philip G, Senior Agriculture Officer, and Indu P. Nair, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture, along with scientists Dr K. Elavarasan and Dr A. Jeyakumari, from CIFT, also spoke at the program. As part of the broader Okkal Farm Fest 2024, ICAR-CIFT also organized an exhibition showcasing technological advancements in harvest and post-harvest fisheries.
https://www.cift.res.in/uploads/SwachhBharat/Okkal%20Farmers%20meet%20report_20240912040101.pdf
