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The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Bhubaneswar-based CIFA to lead multi-country effort to improve 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 transform the lives of 1.2 lakh rural households, 30% of which comprise women, across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The SAARC Development Fund (SDF), in partnership with leading national institutions and technical government agencies of the five SAARC member countries recently launched an initiative titled 'Livelihood Enhancement of Small-Scale Fish Farmers and Nutrition Security of Rural Masses in the SAARC Region through Aquaculture Development (AquaLivelihood)' in Colombo. According to CIFA, the three-year initiative represents a total investment of $3.97 million, including a $3.23 million grant from SDF and $739,109 in in-kind co-financing. 'The project will directly benefit over 120,000 rural households, 30% of whom are women, across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka,' said Shiba Shankar Giri, scientist of ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, who is leading the Aqua-livelihood project as the project coordinator. Under the initiative, strengthening the livelihoods of small-scale aquaculture farmers and addressing malnutrition through sustainable fish production systems would be given priority. Dr Giri said, 'the project will be implemented through three strategic components - survey and technology identification, infrastructure development and capacity Building and knowledge sharing.' With its strong emphasis on scientific innovation, inclusive development and policy synergy, AquaLivelihood is set to become a flagship regional initiative driving equitable growth, resilient food systems, and long-term prosperity across the region, CIFA said in a statement. It said fish remains a key protein source in South Asia, sharing over 60% of animal protein supply in countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. 'Aquaculture has shown significant growth in the region with 11% in Nepal, 5.4% in Bangladesh, and 6-8% in India over the past decade. The fisheries sector is also a major economic driver, contributing 24% of agricultural GDP in Bangladesh and supporting the livelihoods of millions,' it further said.
New Indian Express
10-08-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
CIFA to lead aqua-livelihood project in five SAARC countries
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.
Time of India
07-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Project to boost livelihood of small-scale fish farmers
Bhubaneswar: The Indian Council for Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar is at the forefront of a major regional initiative aimed at enhancing the livelihood of small-scale fish farmers and improving nutrition security across South Asia. The AquaLivelihood Project, officially launched in Colombo, Sri Lanka, recently, is a collaborative effort involving five SAARC member countries — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The project, with a total investment of $3.97 million, is set to benefit over 1,20,000 rural households, with a significant focus on empowering women, who make up 30% of the beneficiaries. Shiba Shankar Giri, a scientist from ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, has been named project coordinator. "This project is a regional commitment to empowering small-scale fish farmers, enhancing rural nutrition, and fostering sustainable livelihoods across South Asia," Giri said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
