Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) visits ICAR-NBFGR Germplasm Resource Centre for Marine Ornamentals at Agatti Island, Lakshadweep

17th April, 2022, Agatti Island

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) inaugurated the Incubation and Training Facility established as a part of the ICAR-National Bureau of Fisheries Genetic Resources Programme under the Tribal Sub Plan here today. The Director General was on his visit to the ICAR-National Bureau of Fisheries Genetic Resources, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh’s Live Germplasm Resource Facility for Marine Ornamental Invertebrates at Agatti Island.

Dr. Mohapatra also launched the two New Beneficially Units - Harlequin and Hispidus for rearing the Ornamental Shrimps by distributing Seeds to the representatives of two community aquaculture units. Interacting with the beneficiaries, the DG highlighted the importance of women empowerment and doubling the farmers’ income. Outlining the Prime Minister’s view on Blue Economy, Dr. Mohapatra highlighted the importance of balanced nutrition, bio-resources and bio-economy.

Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR accentuated that the programme will help in generating the self-employment and promoting livelihood through the use of indigenous species to the island community of Lakshadweep.

Shri K. Buzer Jamhar, Deputy Collector, Agatti encouraged the local women to do proactive work with the guidance of ICAR-NBFGR.

Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, Dr. Kuldeep K. Lal, Director, ICAR-NBFGR, Lucknow underlined the scientific activities linked to the societal upliftment of the native women.

At present, 25 women are actively involved in the Ornamental Shrimp Rearing of young ones under the hand-holding of the ICAR-NBFGR, Lucknow.

Over 60 Women participants, who have undergone the training in the Marine Ornamental Shrimp were also present during the occasion.

(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Fisheries Genetic Resources, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)