ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), under the STC/TSP and SCSP schemes initiated two interventions “Diversification of livelihoods among coastal Scheduled Tribal families and Scheduled Caste Families through brackishwater aquaculture technologies integrated with agro-based technologies and societal developments” at Lakshimipuram tribal Nagar, Kattur village and Thonirevu village, Kottaikuppam Panchayat, Pulicat, Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. Under these 2 schemes, CIBA adopted 6 coastal Irular tribal families and 18 coastal Scheduled Caste families who were traditional fishers, crab, shrimp and clam collectors.
Pulicat Lake region in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu is a richest source of brackishwater resources in the State. In order to utilize these resources for income generation, alternate employment opportunity and livelihood activities of coastal tribal community, on 1st November 2021, ICAR-CIBA has launched various interventions in Kattur and Thoniveru villages in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu for the coastal SC and ST families. About 110 participants including aqua farmers and fishers, and tribal, panchayat and village leaders and officials and staff from CIBA have participated in the programme.
Dr. K.P. Jithendran, Director, ICAR-CIBA highlighted the purpose and methodology implementation of Schedules Caste Special Programmes (SC-SP) and STC/TSP. He stated that under these projects, 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 was integrated with agro-based technologies like poultry farming, vegetable gardening and societal developments like youth and children study centre are being implemented and requested them to utilize these opportunities for improving their knowledge and economic empowerment. He handed over farm inputs and units to the SC and ST beneficiaries and their children. Tree plantation was carried out in the village and wished both the SC and ST beneficiaries for a successful adoption of the CIBA interventions. The villagers and the Panchayat leaders appreciated the efforts being taken by CIBA and thanked the Government of India and ICAR for implementing these schemes for their benefits.
Dr. B. Shanthi, Principal Scientist, Nodal Officer of SCSP Scheme, Project leader and Convenor of these interventions, Dr. Senthil Murugan, Principal Scientist, FCD, Shri. Biju, I.F., Scientist, CCD, Mr. Ragavendra, Stores Officer and Mr. Kumarasan attended the event on behalf of ICAR-CIBA in presence of Mr. Sampath, Village Panchayat Leader, Village heads and the members of ST and SC beneficiaries.
