In an important move towards empowering women islanders in Lakshadweep, a new initiative by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) is set to transform livelihoods through ornamental fish culture. The inauguration of the Display-cum-Interpretation Centre for Marine Ornamentals marks a pivotal step in this endeavor, aimed at enhancing economic security and promoting marine diversity conservation.
The ICAR-NBFGR, in collaboration with local stakeholders, has established a community aquaculture unit to promote ornamental fish culture among women islanders. The recent inauguration of the Display-cum-Interpretation Centre for Marine Ornamentals at Agatti, Lakshadweep, further reinforces this commitment. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), unveiled this facility alongside Dr. Uttam Kumar Sarkar, Director of ICAR-NBFGR, and Dr. T. T. Ajith Kumar, Head of PAGR Centre at ICAR-NBFGR, Kochi.
Impact on Livelihoods
The initiative aims to provide livelihood opportunities to women in Lakshadweep by leveraging the potential of ornamental fish culture. During the inauguration, Dr. Pathak engaged with over 100 women beneficiaries, emphasizing their active role in this transformative initiative. The establishment of this centre underscores a strategic effort to enhance income generation and livelihood security among women islanders.
Public Knowledge Hub and Conservation Efforts
The Display-cum-Interpretation Centre not only serves as a facility for ornamental fish culture but also acts as a knowledge hub for marine diversity conservation. Dr. Pathak's visit to observe the island's diverse fish population highlights the project's broader objective of promoting conservation awareness.
Captive Propagation of New Species
An exciting development during the inauguration was the launch of Cinetorhynchus himanshui, a newly discovered ornamental shrimp in Lakshadweep waters. This species will undergo captive breeding and eventually enter the ornamental trade, presenting a unique avenue for income generation among local tribal women.
Five publications were released during the programme, focusing on ornamental fishes, community aquaculture, and livelihood development in Lakshadweep. These publications serve to disseminate knowledge and best practices, supporting the sustainability of the ornamental fish culture venture.
(Source: ICAR- NBFGR, Lucknow)
