Development of bivalve farming as a source of income generation for women’s self-help groups in coastal India

Mohamed, K S and Kripa, V and Asokan, P K and Sasikumar, Geetha and Venkatesan, V and Jenni, B and Alloycious, P S and Chinnadurai, S and Ragesh, N and Prema, D (2016) Development of bivalve farming as a source of income generation for women’s self-help groups in coastal India. In: Sustainable intensification of aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific region. Documentation of successful practices. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Thailand, pp. 82-92. ISBN 978-92-5-109065-7

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Abstract

The existing technologies of mussel and oyster farming were converted into an income-generating activity for coastal fishers, particularly for women’s self-help groups. As a result of a concerted approach, coupled with novel extension techniques, commercial mussel and oyster farming became established in the States of India, Kerala and susequently in Karnataka. Production in 2009 was over 20 000 tonnes making India one of the top ten bivalve farming countries in Asia. Innovations in these bivalve farming technologies simplified them, which resulted in an increase in profitability and made them attractive to farmers. During this process, the entire gamut of bivalve farming operations such as site identification, seed and spatfall calendars, remote setting, mechanization in seeding and harvesting, quality and depuration protocols, ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products, organic farming protocols and environmental impact assessments were worked out. The success in commercializing the technologies was mainly a result of a unique synergy that was actively pursued and developed by technology developers, promoters, and credit advancers. This development scenario can serve as a role model for other states and developing nations where a similar hydrological, social, and market environment exists.

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