CMFRI supply 5 lakh green mussel seeds to coastal fisher-folk in Maharashtra

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The initiative aims to translate marine fisheries research into livelihood opportunities by promoting sustainable bivalve farming along the Maharashtra coast

By BL Kochi Bureau

Updated - October 24, 2026 at 01:32 PM.

CMFRI has supplied an additional five lakh hatchery-produced green mussel seeds to fisher-folk and tribal communities in Maharashtra.

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has supplied an additional five lakh hatchery-produced green mussel seeds to fisher-folk and tribal communities in Maharashtra, taking the cumulative supply to one million in the past six months.

The initiative aims to translate marine fisheries research into livelihood opportunities by promoting sustainable bivalve farming along the Maharashtra coast, said CMFRI Director Grinson George.

The green mussel seeds, measuring 2–4 mm, were produced at CMFRI’s bivalve hatchery at its Vizhinjam Regional Centre under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). In addition, one lakh oyster seeds produced at the institute’s Madras Regional Station were supplied to Maharashtra to promote oyster farming.

The combined initiative is expected to diversify livelihood opportunities for fisher-folk and tribal communities while encouraging science-based coastal aquaculture practices.

A scientific team led by Principal Scientist M.K. Anil trained 30 government officials from Maharashtra’s Mangrove Cell in nursery rearing and farming techniques for mussels and oysters.

The Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation in Maharashtra is coordinating farmer participation and linking seed supply and technical guidance with farming activities. The project is supported by the Union Department of Fisheries.

“Bivalve farming is a low-investment, low-operational-cost technology with significant potential to strengthen coastal livelihoods while supporting ecosystem health,” George said.

Once established in suitable locations, mussels and oysters require minimal external inputs, provided water quality and environmental conditions remain favourable. Proper site selection, monitoring and harvesting practices can help make bivalve farming a sustainable livelihood option, particularly for communities in coastal and mangrove regions, he added.

Published on October 24, 2026

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