Lakshadweep is the only coral atoll in the country having 10 inhabited islands, which are scattered in the Arabian Sea. The major income source of the local community is tuna fishing and the preparation of coconut-based by-products. There is very limited scope for additional/alternate income, especially for women. To address this issue, the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow has established a facility for marine ornamental organisms at Agatti island, which includes, a Germplasm resource center for marine ornamental invertebrates and community aquaculture units, being maintained by the local women to raise marine ornamental organisms (fish, shrimp, and sea anemone) to marketable size for generating alternate income (Courtesy: DBT, TSP: ICAR - NBFGR and CMLRE).
The exploratory surveys conducted on different islands revealed the hidden biodiversity with the discovery of three new shrimp species. Further, the seed production technology under captive conditions is standardized and scaled up for two potential marine ornamental shrimps, Thor hainanensis and Ancylocaris brevicarpalis for the first time globally.
The ICAR - NBFGR offered one month “hands-on learning” training on marine ornamental rearing to the local community. A total of 82 islanders (77 women) were trained in the aspects of community aquaculture on marine ornamentals earing. As a part of technology adoption, captive-bred shrimp seeds are being supplied to the beneficiaries for further rearing in community aquaculture units. The trained women are involved in rearing the young shrimps, till marketable size. This initiative will lead to livelihood augmentation and the conservation of native biodiversity. This is a unique venture, where conservation and societal development are taken up hand in hand through, the use of indigenous organisms.
The Institute has established and supported four community aquaculture units in Agatti Island, where the ornamental shrimps are successfully raised to marketable size by 45 women beneficiaries. One-month-old captive raised young-ones are being supplied to the beneficiaries and will be reared by them for a period of 2.5 to 3 months. The marketable size shrimps are directly taken into trade at the cost of Rs. 175 to 200/- per piece. The project personnel of ICAR- NBFGR residing at Lakshadweep, regularly monitor the functioning of the rearing units and provide technical inputs to the beneficiaries as and when needed.
The innovative approach to community aquaculture of marine ornamental organisms, a new initiative in the country, will open avenues in livelihood development of the islanders, particularly women, as an alternative sustainable source of income.
(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow)
Like on Facebook
Subscribe on Youtube
Follow on X X
Like on instagram