Bhubaneswar-based CIFA tolead multi-country effort to enhance livelihood of aquaculture farmers

Indian Council for Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, has been chosen to spearhead a multi-country effort to remodel the lives of 1.2 lakh rural households, 30% of which comprise ladies, throughout Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The SAARC Development Fund (SDF), in partnership with main nationwide establishments and technical authorities businesses of the 5 SAARC member nations lately launched an initiative titled ‘Livelihood Enhancement of Small-Scale Fish Farmers and Nutrition Security of Rural Masses within the SAARC Region by means of Aquaculture Development (AquaLivelihood)’ in Colombo.

According to CIFA, the three-year initiative represents a complete funding of $3.97 million, together with a $3.23 million grant from SDF and $739,109 in in-kind co-financing.

“The challenge will straight profit over 120,000 rural households, 30% of whom are ladies, throughout Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka,” mentioned Shiba Shankar Giri, scientist of ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, who’s main the Aqua-livelihood challenge because the challenge coordinator.

Under the initiative, strengthening the livelihoods of small-scale aquaculture farmers and addressing malnutrition by means of sustainable fish manufacturing programs can be given precedence.

Dr Giri mentioned, “the challenge will probably be applied by means of three strategic parts – survey and know-how identification, infrastructure improvement and capability Building and information sharing.”

With its sturdy emphasis on scientific innovation, inclusive improvement and coverage synergy, AquaLivelihood is ready to turn into a flagship regional initiative driving equitable progress, resilient meals programs, and long-term prosperity throughout the area, CIFA mentioned in a press release.

It mentioned fish stays a key protein supply in South Asia, sharing over 60% of animal protein provide in nations like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

“Aquaculture has proven vital progress within the area with 11% in Nepal, 5.4% in Bangladesh, and 6-8% in India over the previous decade. The fisheries sector can be a significant financial driver, contributing 24% of agricultural GDP in Bangladesh and supporting the livelihoods of tens of millions,” it additional mentioned.