ICAR-CIBA, launched livelihood technological interventions for resource poor aqua farmers in Lakshimipuram tribal Nagar, Kattur village and Thonirevu village, Kottaikuppam Panchayat, located in Pulicat area of Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu on 28th August 2021. Dr. Alby John Varghese, I.A.S, District Collector of Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu inaugurated the programme and distributed the critical inputs to the farmers. This programme was organized as a part of 75 years of India’s Independence “Azad Ki Amrut Mahotsav” under the CIBA Tribal Sub-Plan 20/6 and CIBA – SCSP schemes initiated two interventions viz., ‘Diversification of livelihoods among coastal through brackishwater aquaculture technologies integrated with agro-based technologies and societal developments’, one each for Scheduled Tribal farmers and Scheduled Caste farmers.
The institute adopted 10 coastal Irular tribal families and 20 coastal Scheduled Caste families in the project villages, whom are traditional fishers, crab, shrimp and clam collectors. Brackishwater aquaculture technologies viz., two tier milkfish farming in pond and pens, seabass nursery rearing in hapas, pen and low volume floating cages, crab farming in pen and boxes and fish food sales unit were inaugurated during the programme. These technologies will be demonstrated on Integrated Farming System approach with poultry and duck farming, and agro-based technologies like mushroom cultivation and vegetable gardening and societal development programmes like youth study centre, energy conservation through solar lights and tree planting etc.
Dr. K.P. Jithendran, Director, CIBA wished the aqua farmers and fishers for realizing adequate income through successful implementation of these livelihood technologies. Dr. B. Shanthi, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer of SCSP Scheme, RDO, AD State Fisheries, District Tahsildar, Dr. C.V. Sairam, Principal Scientist & SIC, Social Sciences Division, Dr. Senthil Murugan, Principal Scientist, FCD, Dr P Kumararaja, Sr.Scientist, Environment Section, Dr. R. Geetha, Senior Scientist, SSD, Shri. Biju Francis, Scientist, CCD, Mr. R.K. Babu, Finance and Accounts Officer, staff of CIBA, Village Panchayat Leaders and Ward Members were present on the occasion.
