The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) conducted a comprehensive fisheries-based livelihood development program for scheduled caste (SC) and scheduled tribe (ST) families in the Pulicat region of Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu.
As a pivotal component of this initiative, a three-day training cum exposure visit took place from December 27th to 29th, 2023, benefiting 25 SC and ST beneficiaries from Kattur colony, Kattur laximipuram, and Senjiamman villages in Tiruvallur district.
The beneficiaries received hands-on training in various aspects, including fish farming, crab farming, and fish feed development, conducted at fish and crab hatcheries and feed mills at the Marine Economic Zone (MES) of CIBA. The training also covered essential topics such as crop insurance, fish waste processing techniques, disease management, and potential livelihood opportunities for their upliftment.
During the exposure visit on the second day, trainees had the opportunity to witness Hapa-based seabass nursery rearing and seabass fish farming in cages at Kottaikadu, Chengalpattu district, along with a visit to the Periyar mud crab hatchery at Mugaiyur, Kancheepuram district. Mr. Eraniyappan, the proprietor of Periyar mud crab hatchery, provided insights into mud crab (crablets) rearing.
In the concluding session, farm inputs such as fish nets, tarpaulin sheets, fish fingerlings, and fish feed were distributed to the trainees. Dr. M. Kailasam, PS & HOD, Director I/C, CIBA, presented training certificates and a Tamil language training manual to the participants. Dr. Kailasam commended the sincere efforts and interest shown by the SC and ST beneficiaries in the program.
The initiative was led by Dr. B. Shanthi, Principal Scientist & PI, STC – SCSP Scheme (Pulicat Region), Dr. P. Mahalaskhimi, Principal Scientist & Nodal Officer, CIBA-STC & SCSP Scheme, Social Sciences Division (SSD), Dr. Vidya Rajendran, Senior Scientist, AAHED, and Mr. Shri.N. Jagan Mohan Raj, Technical Officer, collectively contributing to the success of the program.
