Kausalyaganga: Under Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India sponsored project entitled “Carp seed production and integrated fish farming technology for livelihood development of Phailin affected tribal farmers of Ganjam District, Odisha”, the Final workshop and Experience sharing meet was conducted with the stakeholders at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar on 29 February 2020. The project was operated by ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar in collaboration with State Fisheries Department, Ganjam Zone, Odisha during 2016-2020. Total 213 tribal farmers families from four Community Development (CD) Blocks namely Khallikote, Digapahandi, Kukudakhandi and Sanakhemundi were adopted in the scheme. Four Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) carp hatchery units (technology developed by ICAR-CIFA) were supplied, installed and operated in Digapahandi, Sanakhemundi and Khallikote Blocks. Scientific aquaculture practices were demonstrated and the fish production could be enhanced through better management practices up to three times from the benchmarks in all adopted ponds of the blocks. Eleven training programmes were arranged in the villages for the benefit of tribal farmers.
The Workshop and Experience Sharing Meet was inaugurated by the Chairman, Odisha Khadi and Gramodyog Board, Shri Sangram Keshari Paikeray in the presence of more than 120 scientists, state officials, farmers and press and media. He appreciated the role of ICAR-CIFA for promoting freshwater aquaculture technologies amongst the tribal farming communities of the state and in particular Ganjam district. He stressed to keep the water bodies free from contamination and for their better use. Dr BC Mohapatra, Principal Investigator of DST Project and Principal Scientist of ICAR-CIFA welcomed the participants and guests to the workshop. He presented the whole story of the project details from survey to achievements and creation of model villages through power point presentation. Mr. Siba Prasad Bhoi, DDF, Ganjam Zone told that the cooperation between ICAR-CIFA and State Fisheries Department made the project achievements excellent. Mr. Debananda Bhanja, Additional Director, Department of Fisheries, Government of Odisha, Cuttack appreciated the role of ICAR-CIFA and Ganjam District Fisheries Officials for their whole-hearted support for bringing the beautiful success stories from the project before the country. He stressed full cooperation to the fish farmers of the state from the department. He reminded his participation in one of the training programmes of the project organized at Digapahandi block of Ganjam District.
Dr. Bindu R. Pillai, Director, ICAR-CIFA praised the team work of ICAR-CIFA and State Fisheries Department for livelihood development of tribal farmers of Ganjam district through adoption of scientific aquaculture practices. She highlighted the role of the institute for taking several such programmes for SC/ST aqua-farmers of the country.
A special publication on “Freshwater Aquaculture Technology Dissemination to the Tribal Farmers of Ganjam District of Odisha” was released in the occasion. Five adopted villages and three fisheries officers from Ganjam Zone were felicitated for their contributions to the scheme. DDF, Puri zone; District Fisheries Officer, Ganjam; Assistant Fisheries Officers of Khallikote, Digapahandi, Kukudakhandi, Sanakhemundi and Kausalyaganga were present in the occasion.
Dr. GS Saha, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFA proposed vote of thanks. The programme was ended with National Anthem.
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