The Fisheries Department in Goa recently conducted an awareness program on mussel farming, showcasing a demonstration unit installed at St Estevam. During the event, fisheries experts demonstrated the process of releasing 35 ropes carrying mussel seeds into the waterbody, enlightening nearly 100 farmers on the intricacies of mussel rearing and harvesting.
Fisheries Director Shamila Monteiro expressed optimism about the increasing interest in mussel culture, noting that farmers can harvest fully grown mussels within a span of five months. A single rope of mussel seeds can yield approximately 1 to 1.5 kg of fully grown mussels. With the current market price at Rs 400 per kg in Goa, mussel farming emerges as a lucrative venture for farmers.
Encouraging attendees to capitalize on this opportunity, Monteiro highlighted the profitability of mussel farming for unemployed youth and farmers residing near river areas. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, general category beneficiaries can receive financial assistance of 40% of the unit cost, up to Rs 20,000. ST/SC/women beneficiaries are eligible for a higher assistance of 60% of the unit cost, also up to Rs 20,000, for bivalve cultivation.
To qualify for mussel cultivation in Goa, rivers must have a salinity level above 27 parts per thousand (ppt). The Fisheries Department aims to stimulate mussel farming by encouraging fish farmers in areas with suitable salinity levels. The program emphasizes the potential for fisheries entrepreneurship, particularly targeting unemployed youth and farmers near river regions, making mussel farming an attractive and profitable endeavour.