A resident of Candolim, North Goa became the first entrepreneur in the State to start an open sea cage farm under Goa State Mariculture Policy. Based on the request submitted to the Department of Fisheries, Government of Goa, Shri. Sheldon Fernandes was sanctioned licence to undertake open sea cage culture at Candolim. He is also a beneficiary under a centrally sponsored scheme of the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India and State Fisheries Department.

The cage frames made of galvanised iron (GI) have a diameter of 6m and fishes are cultured inside a net with depth of 5 m tied to the cage frame. Hatchery produced seeds of Asian Seabass (Chonak) and Silver Pompano are being cultured in 5 cages.2 cages under All India Network Project on Mariculture of ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Karwar have been integrated in the said project. The technical advisory for the cage culture is also provided by ICAR-CMFRI, Karwar.

The open sea cage culture farm was inaugurated on October 28, 2022 by Dr. Shamila Monterio, Director, Department of Fisheries, Government of Goa. Dr Suresh Babu P P, Dr Anuraj A, Scientist from CMFRI, Karwar and Mr Chandresh Haldankar, Superintendent of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries were also present during the function. Seeing the huge potential in mariculture activity, Government of Goa became the first State in India to notify mariculture policy to augment fish production through fish culture in cages (closed enclosures) from the sea.

Kritik Naik from Porvorim bagged the first prize of 10,000 at the All Goa Eco Friendly Aakash Kandil Competition 2022 organized by Herald TV in association with Adlem Goem at a function held at Old Goa recently.

The second prize of 5,000 in the contest went to Shri Varad Jalmi from Priol, Ponda whereas the third prize of  2,500 was bagged by Shri. Yogesh Gaonkar from Betoda, Ponda. Shri Vishal Palyekar from Taleigao and Shri Vinod Naik from Talulem, Bandoda won the fourth and fifth prizes respectively.

About 40 artists from all over Goa Participated in the competition.

Shri Prakash Naik, Information Officer, Department of Information and Publicity who was the Chief Guest while speaking on the occasion complimented Herald TV for its maiden initiative in organising Eco Friendly Aakash Kandil competition. He said such endeavour’s apart from providing excellent opportunity to the people particularly the youth to exhibit their artistic skills and creativity substantially helps to create awareness about conserving the environment and maintaining ecological balance.

Shri Naik also highlighted the importance of the Diwali festival which symbolizes the victory of good over evil and consolidates the bonds of unity among the people of different faiths. He said, Diwali the festival of lights is being celebrated by Hindu communities across the world and organising Aakash Kandil contest involving people to mark such an auspicious occasion is a decisive step in the right direction.

Shri Naik further said, Media is an effective tool to disseminate information and Herald publications are working to highlight various issues concerning the society through Print and Electronic media. In addition to this the Herald publications is also contributing for social cause by organising socio-cultural activities such as Aakash Kandil Competition which is highly commendable he added.

The competition was judged by Shri Prakash Naik, Miss Anisha Phadte and Shri Dattaraj Chari. Shri Naik and other dignitaries gave away prizes to the winners.

Shri Rahul attached to Digital world and Ms. Teja Chodankar, Secretary Marketing, Herald Publications were present on the occasion. Earlier, Shri Sagar Naik, Marketing Executive, Herald TV welcomed and later proposed a vote of thanks.