With more than 54% Scheduled Tribe (ST) population, Gajapati and Rayagada districts have primitive tribes of Sauras, Langiasaurs and Danagaria Kandhas.
To enhance their livelihood security and economic upliftment, an “Exposure visit-cum-capacity building programme on integrated aquaculture for the tribal beneficiaries" on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav & Jan-Bhagidari was initiated at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
The programme was inaugurated by Panchayati Raj Additional Secretary Dr Pradeep Rout and ICAR-CIFA Director Dr PK Sahoo.
Dr Rout narrated his experiences of working in tribal areas in various capacities and lauded that tribals are the saviour of our culture and heritage. He said the tribals need to be empowered. He admired the effort of scientists for the development of new technologies and farming practices which can be adopted by tribals for their livelihood development and nutritional security.
Dr Sahoo suggested giving the live demonstrations on fish harvesting and other fish species cultured in the institute. Dr P Routray, Principal Scientist, said field demonstration would help the participants in practising fish culture. Dr SS Mishra, Principal Scientist and Team Leader, briefed about the activities being undertaken by ICAR-CIFA in Gajapati and Rayagada since 2018 with adoption of 28 tribal women SHGs. Dr HK De, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer briefed about this programme.