Fish farming brings laurels to panchayat

LABBAKADA (Idukki dist): The success of its fish farming initiative has earned Kanchiyar grama panchayat in Idukki district this years award for the best Matsya club in the State.

Fish farming in ponds was launched in the reservoir areas at Kanchiyar, home to a large number of Mannan tribesmen, about a year-and-a- half ago. About 250 fish ponds have been formed in addition to a large number of private ponds where fish species are grown. There are 156 members in the Matsya Club and over 200 farmers in the fish farming sector. Many ponds also provide water source for agriculture purpose.

Explaining the features of the project, grama panchayat president Mathew George told The Hindu that the fish farming sector was developed after intensive implementation of the watershed programme. Ponds were provided to farmers under various schemes. They were also given seeds conducive to the topography and climatic conditions. Training classes were conducted regularly for the members of the club.