The Kannur University Department of Management Studies (DMS) and the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) at Palayad here have jointly launched Meen Nira, an initiative to promote ornamental aquaculture in areas near the campuses of the two institutions in the Dharmadam panchayat. The project, formally launched at a function at Palayad on July 20, envisages expansion of ornamental aquaculture by setting up an aquarium in each household. Organisers of the project say that it is intended as an entertainment initiative and as a source of revenue for the households through promotion of commercial breeding of ornamental fish species. ‘The panchayat has been selected because its geographical features are ideal for the project. The panchayat, located on the coast near Thalassery, is surrounded by water. The launch of the project was marked by a class at DIET on ornamental aquaculture and its commercial potential. The DMS conceived the idea of ornamental fish farming last year and hosted a training programme involving experts in the field. The Meen Nira project is the follow-up of the harvesting of karimeen’ at the fish farming facility of the university campus at Palayad. The launching session was inaugurated by Dharmadam panchayat president Baby Saroja. DIET Principal C.M. Balakrishnan presided. DMS Associate Professor U. Faisal was also present. Project envisages expansion of ornamental aquaculture by setting up an aquarium in each household.
2016, The Hindu