ICAR-CMFRI trained fish farmer receives country’s Best Marine Fish Farmer Award of Union Fisheries Ministry
Ravi Kharvi, a fish farmer trained by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) from Karnataka bagged the Best Marine Fish Farmer Award instituted by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt of India. He received the award during the World Fisheries Day celebration organised by the Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt of India on 21 st November 2024. The award carries a Certificate of Merit and cash award of Rs. One lakh as a token of encouragement.
A progressive fish farmer hailing from Talur Village Kundapura taluk, Udupi district, Ravi Kharvi was honoured with the award for his outstanding contributions to the successful implementation of Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) practice under the guidance,of Mangalore Regional centre of ICAR-CMFRI.
Ravi was one of the beneficiaries of ICAR-CMFRI’s project for demonstrating innovative IMTA practice during 2023-24 with the financial assistance of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad. The project is led by Dr Sujitha Thomas, Head and Principal Scientist, Dr Rajesh KM, Principal Scientist and Dr Dinesh Babu Principal Scientist.
This innovative IMTA approach involves the integrated farming of Indian pompano, silver pompano, and green mussels. This is the first of its kind in Karnataka and yielded impressive results, showcasing the potential of sustainable aquaculture practices.
After a cultivation period of five to six months, the Indian Pompano, Silver Pompano, and green mussels were harvested in stages between June and July 2024. The timing of the harvest was strategically aligned with market demand.
At the time of harvest, the average weight of the Silver Pompano and Indian Pompano was 470g and 380g, respectively. These high-quality fish were sold locally at premium prices, fetching between Rs. 450 and Rs. 480 per kilogram.
In addition, approximately 300 ropes of mussels, each weighing 2.0 to 3.0 kilograms, were harvested in phases to meet market demand. These mussels, priced at Rs. 145 to Rs. 150 per kilogram, contributed significantly to the overall income, which amounted to approximately Rs. 6 lakhs.
Ravi’s interest in fish farming was sparked by the small-scale cage culture demonstration conducted by the Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI, Mangalore in Panchagangavalli estuary during 2014-15. This experience, coupled with subsequent training and hands-on demonstrations provided by the Centre, further solidified his passion for aquaculture.
Subsequently, Ravi transitioned into a full-time cage farmer. His dedication and innovation have earned him numerous accolades, including the Superstar Farmer award from Vijaya Karnataka and the Progressive Farmer award from the Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agriculture and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga (KSNUAHS).
Ravi's contributions to the field of aquaculture include modification of cages and batch harvesting of fishes. He has also developed a trap for catching the fish seeds of red snappers from the wild.
