Science and societal development are taken up hand-in-hand at Lakshadweep: President Murmu appreciates ICAR- NBFGR model for livelihood

18^th March 2023, Lakshadweep

During her visit to Lakshadweep, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu today, appreciated the efforts of lCAR -National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources in the livelihood development of Island women. She said that the initiative is a unique venture in which science and societal development are taken up hand in hand with local bioresources.

At an interactive session on 19th March 2023 with the women beneficiaries attached to the community aquaculture units for marine ornamentals, the President was appraised about the concept of the community aquaculture centers and their role in enhancing the income of the women islanders.

The beneficiaries attached with the ICAR-NBFGR’s community aquaculture centre, Ms. Haslamathbi, T., Mrs. Sabeena Beegum, U., Mrs. Nisa Soorath, S. M., Mrs. Nafeesath, M. P., Mrs. Amminabi, K. T. P., attended the interaction with the President and requested for expanding the activities of the successful model, for enhancing the income of women islanders.

A germplasm resource centre was established at Agatti, Lakshadweep by the institute, four new marine ornamental shrimps were discovered and captive propagation technology was developed.

The training was provided to the self-help group clusters, who adopted the simplified technology and the community aquaculture units are being successfully operated for rearing marine ornamental shrimps and fishes. The adaption of technology resulted in the creation of sustainable livelihood among the local population with a subsistence income.

Being a successful model, the institute is planning to expand its activities by establishing more community aquaculture centres in the other inhabited islands of Lakshadweep for livelihood development.

(Source: lCAR -National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow)