Indian Council for Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, has been chosen to spearhead a multi-country effort to transform the lives of 1.2 lakh rural households, 30% of which comprise women, across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The SAARC Development Fund (SDF), in partnership with leading national institutions and technical government agencies of the five SAARC member countries recently launched an initiative titled ‘Livelihood Enhancement of Small-Scale Fish Farmers and Nutrition Security of Rural Masses in the SAARC Region through Aquaculture Development (AquaLivelihood)’ in Colombo.

According to CIFA, the three-year initiative represents a total investment of $3.97 million, including a $3.23 million grant from SDF and $739,109 in in-kind co-financing.

“The project will directly benefit over 120,000 rural households, 30% of whom are women, across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka,” said Shiba Shankar Giri, scientist of ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, who is leading the Aqua-livelihood project as the project coordinator.

Under the initiative, strengthening the livelihoods of small-scale aquaculture farmers and addressing malnutrition through sustainable fish production systems would be given priority.

Dr Giri said, “the project will be implemented through three strategic components – survey and technology identification, infrastructure development and capacity Building and knowledge sharing.”

With its strong emphasis on scientific innovation, inclusive development and policy synergy, AquaLivelihood is set to become a flagship regional initiative driving equitable growth, resilient food systems, and long-term prosperity across the region, CIFA said in a statement.

It said fish remains a key protein source in South Asia, sharing over 60% of animal protein supply in countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

“Aquaculture has shown significant growth in the region with 11% in Nepal, 5.4% in Bangladesh, and 6-8% in India over the past decade. The fisheries sector is also a major economic driver, contributing 24% of agricultural GDP in Bangladesh and supporting the livelihoods of millions,” it further said.