BHUBANESWAR: Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, will lead the first aqua-livelihood project for upliftment of smallholder fish farmers and improve nutrition security in five SAARC countries.
The USD 3.97 million project being implemented in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka apart from India was launched in Colombo on Wednesday. The project will directly benefit over 1.2 lakh rural households, 30 per cent (pc) of which are led by women.
As part of the project, strategic components including use of technology, mapping aquaculture inputs, feed, seed and promoting inclusive practices, establishing pilot-scale feed mills and fish hatcheries to enhance local production along with capacity-building and knowledge-sharing will be key focus areas.
CIFA scientist Shiba Shankar Giri, the lead project coordinator, said India is for the first time heading a project related to aquaculture in the SAARC countries. At least 50,000 households will be benefited in the country in next three years, he said.
“With a strong emphasis on scientific innovation, inclusive development and policy synergy, the project is set to become a flagship regional initiative. This will drive equitable growth, resilient food systems and ensure nutrition security among the fisherfolk along with long-term prosperity across the region,” he said.
Under the project, Giri said, a model will be prepared with the technological innovations by the countries in the related fields and will be implemented on a pilot basis to enhance the fish production and income of fishermen.
Fish remains a key protein source in South Asia, sharing over 60 pc of animal protein supply in countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Aquaculture has shown significant growth in the region with 11 pc in Nepal, 5.4 pc in Bangladesh, and 6-8 pc in India over the past decade.
Deputy director general (fisheries science) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Jaykrushna Jena said as the lead country, India partners with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka in this SAARC development fund (SDF)-supported initiative aimed at strengthening livelihoods and nutrition through sustainable aquaculture. “It will help empower small-scale fish farmers, enhance rural nutrition and promote sustainable livelihoods across South Asia,” he added.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources of Sri Lanka Ramalingam Chandrasekar launched the project in the presence of ICAR authorities and officials from other SAARC countries. “The aqua-livelihood initiative is a timely and transformative journey towards a more resilient future for small-scale farmers,” he said while launching the project.