International Conference on Brackishwater Aquaculture is on in MRC Nagar

The International Conference on Brackishwater Aquaculture (BRAQCON 2019) started off on Tuesday with the Farmer’s Conclave at the MRC Nagar headquarters.

This 4 day event is jointly organized by ICAR- Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) and Society of Coastal Aquaculture and Fisheries (SCAFi). The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

The conclave has brought together aqua farmers from all the coastal states as well as other stakeholders such as scientists, academicians, members of administration, industry and trade to a common platform for facilitating exchange of ideas. Apart from experience sharing, the conclave facilitated a stock-taking and planning to promote and develop eco-friendly and sustainable aquaculture practices in the country.

The Conclave was inaugurated by chief guest D. Jayakumar, state minister for fisheries. The first session included presentations by dignitaries from India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Philippines.

“Experience sharing provides avenues for horizontal learning’ and can lead to new partnerships”, said Dr K. K. Vijayan Director ICAR-CIBA and Convener, BRAQCON 2019. “It is also intended to create a wider awareness about the state-wise status exposing the opportunities as well as the institutional support for aquaculture from bankers and insurance companies etc.”

Some of the themes included shrimp farming, ornamental fish farming, agri-aqua integration among others. The end session convened in a panel discussion.

Apart from recognizing the path-breakers in aqua-farming and support areas, the Aquaculture Expo will showcase the state of the art of technologies, instruments, products and services etc. Efforts have been made to make this a green event and avoid use of plastic.

The conclave aims to benefit on understanding modern scientific farming methods and empower aqua-farmers for increasing their farm income. The next 3 days will see scientific sessions on various topics like reproduction and larviculture, aquatic environment and climate change, socio-economic and livelihood issues of fisheries, etc. The program schedule and speaker details are available on the website www.braqcon.org

ICAR is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the country.

ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture is located at 75, Santhome High Road, MRC Nagar. Email:braqcon@gmail.com. Ph:  24618817.