The 30-acre Kuttanad campus of the Cochin University of Science and Technology will soon be converted in to a state-of-the-art model facility to intensify fish production by utilising indigenously-developed technologies and systems.
The unique project forms part of the university’s efforts to showcase innovative research projects that would promote sustainable aquaculture in the country. Cochin University College of Engineering will provide the technological support for the proposed National Facility for Sustainable Aquaculture Production Systems (NaF-SAPS).
Vice-Chancellor J. Letha told The Hindu that the aim of the initiative was to develop a project that would enable an integrated aquaculture model to boost fish production. Cusat would seek the help of funding agencies such as NABARD for this venture, she said.
The project would be spearheaded by the Cusat’s National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health. A facility for designing and manufacturing the required tools and machinery for re-circulating aquaculture systems (an environment-friendly and highly productive closed fish farming system) will be set up on the campus. The facility will also showcase integrated multitrophic aquaculture (sustainable ecological aquaculture system) and zero water exchange aquaculture production.
Training would be extended to the stakeholders in the fisheries sector in greener aquaculture practices through reduction in waste products in the marine environment. They will receive assistance in boosting farming practices that reduce the amount of water and space required to intensively produce fish products.
The university has formed a co-ordination committee led by E. G. Silas, renowned fisheries scientist, to carry out the project. Researchers associated with the project said that the cost of fish production could be considerably reduced as indigenously-developed aquaculture tools, devices and machinery would be used at the site. The project would have the twin advantages of being a sustainable fish production model and which operates at a lower cost, they said.
