Navsari Gujarat Research Centre (NGRC) of ICAR-CIBA conducted a 4-day training program on “Brackishwater finfish and shellfish farming practices for livelihood generation for scheduled caste and scheduled tribe communities of Gujarat” from 4th to 7th March, 2024 at its centre, Navsari, Gujarat. A total of 60 SC and ST beneficiaries from Hansapore, Eroo, Singod and Sultanpur villages of Navsari district attended the training program and exposure visit.
Navsari centre of CIBA has been actively involved in developing aquaculture based ‘learning and earning while working (LEW)’ models for ST and SC beneficiaries by demonstrating community pond-based cage culture, integrating fish culture with animal husbandry and horticulture, and shrimp farming along with high density nursery. The LEW model was found to be viable and enhanced their economic status of ST and SC communities. The training program was intended to further increase their knowledge and skills in aquaculture through hands on training on fish and shrimp culture, water quality and disease management. Further, an exposure visit was arranged for the trainees to observe and interact with other Self Help Group members who are already practicing the Integrated Fish-Goat-Poultry farming model at Singod Village, Navasri, Gujarat, and pearlspot hatchery at NGRC farm, Navsari.
The 4-day program was inaugurated by Dr. C. P. Balasubramanian, Director (in-charge), ICAR-CIBA. During his inaugural address, Dr. C. P. Balasubramanian informed on the efforts taken by CIBA for livelihood enhancement of tribal and SC communities through implementation of cost-effective technologies and supply of critical inputs. Dr. A. Panigrahi, SIC, NGRC welcomed the participants and discussed regarding technologies developed and implemented by the centre for economic upliftment of coastal tribal and SC communities. Dr. P. Mahalakshmi, Nodal officer STC & SC SP briefed about the various societal development activities taken up by the institute at various locations in the country under Scheduled Tribe Component and Scheduled Caste Sub Plan schemes. Mr. Pankaj Patil and Mr. Jose Antony, Scientists, NGRC convened the four-day training program along with Dr. Ritesh Tandel, scientist and Nodal officer, NGRC and Dr. Pragyan Dash, Scientist, NGRC. The training program concluded with a positive feedback from the participants.
