ICAR-CRIJAF Launches International Project on Livelihood Security in the Sundarbans

The Multinational (India, Australia, Bangladesh and Indonesia) Project of ICAR-CRIJAF, Barrackpore on “Protecting Ecosystems and Livelihoods of The Sundarbans- a World Heritage Site; Assessing the impact of Natural Hazards on Forest and Jute-based Ecosystems” funded by Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research, and USC, Australia was launched by Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, Dr. T.R. Sharma by inaugurating Drone Survey of Mangrove forest on 23rd February 2022 at Sagar Island of the Sundarbans of India in presence of Dr. R. K. Singh, ADG (Commercial Crop), ICAR, Dr. Gouranga Kar, Director, ICAR-CRIJAF and Dr. D. Barman, Principal Investigator of the multinational project.  

The DDG, Dr. T. R. Sharma emphasized that this project can deliver solutions for the farmers of the Sundarbans who practice farming in one of the most vulnerable agro-ecological conditions of the country. Identification of natural hazard-prone areas and mapping of vulnerable zones of the Sundarbans areas, preparation of carbon stock and budget in the mangrove forests and jute-based agro-ecosystem, framework development for natural hazards preventive measures, land and water management using locally available by-products.

The outcomes of this project will improve the livelihoods of the local marginal people through training of farm women for making jute diversified products as an alternate livelihood option for reducing the forest dependency of the people. He also appreciated the efforts for international collaboration of a multidisciplinary group of Scientists.  

Dr. R. K. Singh, ADG (CC) expressed that this is a good multinational collaborative project which can be implemented in the Sundarbans for saline soil amelioration through jute-biochar to increase carbon stock and improve soil health.  

The Director, Dr. Gouranga Kar assured to extend all possible support for successful implementation of the project. The provision of collection of ground truth data such as forest inventory, soil, plants along with the programs related to women empowerment will be taken up under this project.  

Dr. Sharma also participated in the promotional program of ICAR-CRIJAF, Barrackpore taken up in the Sunderbans and also inaugurated Farmers’ Fare at Sagar Island of Sundarbans under SCSP Programme in presence of Dr. R. K. Singh, ADG (Commercial Crop) and Dr. Gouranga Kar, Director, ICAR-CRIJAF and Dr M.S. Behera, Nodal Officer of the program.

Agricultural inputs, implements, and other accessories were distributed among the farmers of Chakfuldigi village of the Island. The farmers interacted with the delegates and discussed the various problems faced by them, particularly during natural calamities.