The distribution of inputs to fishermen of Aliyar under Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) was organized as a public programme at Aliyar dam, Tamil Nadu on 18 April, 2018. The programme was well attended by representatives of Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation (TNFDC), Scientists from ICAR-CIFT and fishermen. The programme conducted as a part of ongoing Institute project on ‘Economic evaluation of resource use efficiency and management of reservoir ecosystem’ started with a welcome address by Shri Krishnamoorthy, Assistant Director and Manager, TNFDC. Shri V. Chandrasekar, Scientist, ICAR-CIFT explained the project objectives to the fishers and stressed the importance of using standardized gillnets for improving fish production. Standardized fishing gear, coracles, inputs like weighing balance, Lifebuoy, etc. were distributed to eight fishing units operating all over the year at Aliyar dam. Shri S. Chinnadurai, Scientis, ICAR-CIFT had a detailed interaction with fishermen about their gillnet operation and suggested techniques for optimum harvest of fish. The fishermen were instructed to use two different gear sizes of gillnets, viz., 120 mm and 240 mm for optimum catch and were also asked to use gear size of greater than 110 mm to avoid the fish catch of less than 1 Kg. On 19 April, 2018 Shri P.S. Nobi, Technical Officer, ICAR-CIFT demonstrated the use of standardized gillnet and fishing operation using coracle to the fishermen at the dam site. Information brochure in Tamil about gillnet fishing operation at reservoirs was distributed to the fishermen. The event attracted media coverage in local newspapers like Dinamani and Dinamalar.

 

   

 

At Kanjirapuzha, Kerala

The distribution programme of inputs to fishermen of Kanjirapuzha was held on 20 April, 2018. Representatives from Fisheries Department, Govt. of Kerala, Shri V. Chandrasekar and Shri S. Chinnadurai, Shri P.S. Nobi, Technical Officer and Shri K.D. Santhosh, Tech. Asst. from ICAR-CIFT were present during the programme. The programme was conducted as a part of ongoing Institute project on ‘Economic evaluation of resource use efficiency and management of reservoir ecosystem’. A technical information brochure in Malayalam on gillnet fishing was distributed to the fishers. There are 17 fishermen units at Kanjirapuzha and fishing operations is undertaken all round the year. Interaction with the fishermen was held after the programme. The fishermen felt the need for a sale counter with a platform for cutting and cleaning fresh fish. Wide media coverage was given to the programme in Mathrubhoomi and Malayala Manorama newspapers.

           Programme in progress at Kanjirappuzha                                          Inputs distribution