"Harvesting Hope: Samidurai's Journey in Seabass Cage Farming"
Mr. Samidurai, aged 37, from Kalaignar Nagar in Pitchavaram, embodies a tale of resilience and empowerment through seabass cage farming. His journey towards sustainable livelihoods began with a strong interest in seabass farming and crab catching. Samidurai supported his uncle's crab farm and occasionally collected crabs and prawns from the mangroves to boost his income. Despite having limited education, Samidurai was drawn to these coastal activities for their potential to sustain him economically.
In the coastal community, where traditional jobs like fishing and crab catching support livelihoods, there was a need for new income sources. Organizations like the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), in collaboration with NABARD, initiated the Integrated Mangrove Fishery Farming System project in Mudasalodai village. Six ponds were set up across 10 acres of coastal land to equip communities with the knowledge and resources for diversified livelihoods. Through MSSRF's interventions and training, coastal communities like Samidurai's were organized into groups and educated on nursery and cage farming. Seabass cage farming emerged as a promising avenue for sustainable income generation, utilizing the region's natural resources.
Samidurai and his community began their seabass cage farming venture with determination. With support from MSSRF and NABARD, they installed five cages and stocked them with 500 juvenile seabass. Essential materials, seeds, and feeds were provided by the funding agency, laying the foundation for success. However, challenges arose. Samidurai faced initial setbacks, including mortalities and disease outbreaks within the cages. Yet, armed with knowledge from MSSRF's training programs Samidurai persevered, managing the issues with dedication.
Daily routines focused on caring for the seabass cages. From monitoring water quality to adjusting feed quantities, Samidurai embraced his responsibilities diligently. After three months of effort, the seabass flourished, reaching an average weight of 450 grams. With MSSRF's guidance, the community harvested their first crop of seabass, earning Rs. 33,000. This success marks a significant milestone in Samidurai's journey towards economic self-sufficiency. Buoyed by their success, Samidurai and his community are ready for their second crop of seabass. Samidurai extends gratitude to MSSRF and NABARD for their support, which has empowered him and his community for a brighter future.
