The ornamental fish culture training centre for tribals, organised by Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (KUFOS) and funded by the NABARD, will be launched at Pokallappara near Chalakkudy river on Friday.
B Madhusoodana Kurup, KUFOS Vice-Chancellor, said the project was envisaged to improve the tribal livelihood in the Chalakkudy tribal belt.
“The project is being implemented with the help of the Forest department and the Vana Samrakshana Samithi. The tribal communities like Kadar, Malayar, Irular and Cholanaikkar will be benefited from the project. Pokalappara is near Chalakkudy river, which is rich with various species of fish. The training centre aims at bringing professionalism among the tribals in fish culture so that they can earn money through exports. The project will definitely improve their income and create more employment opportunities,” Kurup pointed out.
He said the project was the first of its kind in Kerala. Madhumita Mukherjee, Executive Director, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, will be the chief guest.