CMFRI supplies five lakh green mussel seeds to Maharashtra coastal communities

Central government research efforts are opening new economic avenues for coastal residents, with the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) supplying an additional five lakh hatchery-produced green mussel seeds to fisherfolk and tribal communities in Maharashtra.

This latest delivery brings the cumulative supply to one million green mussel seeds over the past six months, demonstrating the rapid execution of sustainable aquaculture development along the country's shoreline.

Boosting coastal livelihoods through PMMSY

The initiative forms part of a broader push under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), designed to modernise India's marine sectors and secure resilient livelihoods for coastal families. Alongside the green mussel stock, CMFRI also provided Maharashtra with one lakh hatchery-reared oyster seeds to diversify local bivalve farming.

CMFRI Director Grinson George stated that the campaign aims to translate cutting-edge marine fisheries research directly into practical income opportunities, helping coastal communities establish high-value farming operations.

Scientific training for local capacity building

The tiny green mussel seeds, measuring between 2 mm and 4 mm, were cultivated at CMFRI's specialized bivalve hatchery in Vizhinjam. The accompanying oyster seeds were produced at the institute's Madras regional station.

To ensure the long-term success of the initiative, scientific expertise is being shared directly with local administrators. A CMFRI team led by Principal Scientist M.K. Anil conducted specialised technical training for 30 Maharashtra government officials from the state mangrove cell. The program covered nursery rearing and advanced farming techniques for mussels and oysters, providing the technical foundation required to guide local growers and ensure high yields.