Kerala’s first mussel–marine fish hatchery nearing completion at Puthiyangadi

Kerala’s first mussel-marine fish seed production hatchery is nearing completion at Puthiyangadi in Madayi panchayat, with the facility expected to begin operation by January.

The hatchery set up at a cost of ₹5 crore by the Fisheries department with technical support from Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is being implemented through Kerala Coastal Development Corporation. It aims to produce 50 lakh mussel seeds and an equal number of marine fish seeds annually, making Malabar self-sufficient in mussel farming.

The complex is equipped with modern modular hatchery facilities required for mussel seed production, including a live feed production unit, an algal culture unit, larval rearing tanks, a recirculating aquaculture system for fighting fish conservation and seed production and a laboratory system. In addition, the infrastructure features a 1,208.6 sq m hatchery building, a 133-metre drainage system, 30-tonne capacity FRP tanks, blowers, ozonators, rapid and slow sand filters, along with advanced plumbing and electrification for round-the-clock operations.

At present, farmers depend heavily on fish seeds sourced from other States at high prices, while natural seed availability in local water bodies remains scarce. Officials said the new hatchery will ease this dependence, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality seeds and not just for mussels but also for marine species. Scientific research and monitoring by CMFRI will ensure quality seed production and conservation practices.

M. Vijin, MLA, said the construction of the hatchery building has been completed and only the technical systems remain to be installed. “The final works are progressing swiftly and we expect operation to begin by January,” he said.

The hatchery is also expected to boost aquaculture prospects in Malabar by providing a reliable seed supply, encouraging more farmers to adopt scientific fish farming practices, and ultimately strengthening the region’s seafood production sector, Mr. Vijin added.