CIFA, Kausalyaganga,8/6/2023 ( Odisha Samachar )- With more than 54% Scheduled Tribe (ST) population, Gajapati and Rayagada Districts have primitive tribes of Sauras, Langiasaurs and DanagariaKandhans. To enhance their livelihood security and economic upliftment, “Exposurevisitcum Capacity building programmeon Integrated Aquaculture for the Tribal beneficiaries” on the occasion ofAzadiKaAmritMahotsav&Jan-Bhagidari” was initiated at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar (ICAR-CIFA) Bhubaneswar today. The programme was inaugurated byDr.PradeepRout,OAS(SAG)Addl.Secy. to Govt. &Pvt.Secy. toHon’ble Minister Panchayati Raj and DrinkingWater, Forest, Environment, Climate Change, Information & Public relations Dept.,Govt.of OdishaandDr. P.K. Sahoo Director, ICAR-CIFA on 7th June, 2023.Dr.Rout narrated his experiences of working in tribal areas in various capacities and lauded that tribals are the saviour of our culture, heritage and they need to be empowered. He admired the effort of scientists for the development of new technologies and farming practices which can be adopted by the tribals for their livelihood development and nutritional security. Dr. P.K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA congratulated the team for conducting such programme under STC. He suggested to give the live demonstrations on fish harvesting and other fish species cultured in the Institute. He also urged to show them different high yield variety of fruits and vegetables plants available in different sister institutes. Dr. P. Routray, Principal Scientist, highlighted the purpose of the capacity development programme and expressed that field demonstration will help them in practising the fish culture. Dr. S. S. Mishra, Principal Scientist and Team Leader, Gajapati&Rayagada programme, briefed about the activities being undertaken by ICAR-CIFA in Gajapati and Rayagada since 2018 with adoption of 28 Tribal women self-help groups. He urged the beneficiaries to effectively utilize the inputs and resources for their economic upliftment. Dr. K. N. Mohanta, STC project Coordinator, highlighted the activities and achievements of CIFA STC programme in various adopted districts.Dr.H.K.De,Principal Scientist&NodalOfficer,AzadikaAmritMohotsav briefed about this programme as a part of the various programmes on this occasion.Dr. P. Srinivas, SIC, ICAR-CHES, Bhubaneswar, highlighted the integration option of horticulture, and vegetables to get sustained income and nutritional security. During the event, the documentary film on ICAR-CIFA interventions in Gajapati District, Odisha was showcased. The participants also displayed their tribal songs and folk Dance. Dr. K. C. Das, Principal Scientist, thanked all guests and participants for their participation in the programme.This programme will be continued from 7th-8th June, 2023. During these two days the trainees will be given training and demonstration on carp culture, catfish culture, water quality management, feed formulation and management, health management, integrated farming system development, tuber crop farming, horticulture, backyard poultry and duckery. The programme was coordinated by Mr SatyanaranSahoo, Mr.Durga Prasad Rath and Mr Sisir Kumar Mohanty.
(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture)