Ocean Farming Project Strengthens Community Engagement in Karwar, Ankola & Kumta

AMMACHI Labs’ Ocean Farming team continued its field engagement efforts this week in Uttara Kannada, working closely with undergraduate and postgraduate students from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham participating in Amma’s Live-in-Labs® programme. This experiential learning initiative places students directly within rural communities, encouraging collaborative problem-solving and the co-creation of sustainable, locally relevant solutions.

During the visit to Amadalli (Mudga), the team, along with students, met Sri Purushotaman Gowda, Gram Panchayat President, to understand key village priorities, including livelihood opportunities, access to basic amenities, and pressing development needs.

In Gabit Keni (Ankola), household visits and an interactive session with women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) focused on existing livelihood practices, challenges faced by the community, and the potential of seaweed cultivation as a women-led income-generation activity. The SHG members showed strong interest and actively participated in the discussions.

A site assessment in Gangavalli (Kumta) was carried out to evaluate the location’s suitability for a pilot seaweed farming project. Parameters such as water depth, flow, and salinity were examined, with initial findings appearing promising. Further expert evaluation will follow to finalise the feasibility.

These engagements—combining student participation, community dialogue, and scientific assessment—strengthen the foundation for future ocean-based livelihood initiatives that are sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with community needs.

Ocean Farming projects in Karnataka are implemented by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, with support from Esri India.

Supported United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 5 – Gender Equality
• SDG 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth
• SDG 14 – Life Below Water
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals