ICAR-CCARI, Goa established Ornamental Fish Culture Unit in Cumbarjua, North Goa for livelihood promotion

    Under project "Entrepreneurship Development and Livelihood Improvement through Demonstration and Training of Sustainable Ornamental Fish Culture in Goa" funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI) successfully established a small-scale Ornamental Fish Culture Unit in Cumbarjua, North Goa. The inauguration of the Ornamental Fish Culture Demonstration Unit occurred on December 20, 2023, attended by distinguished guests and members of the scientific and local communities.The project, driven by the collaborative efforts of NABARD and ICAR-CCARI, aimed to promote sustainable entrepreneurship in ornamental fish culture. The demonstration unit, located in Cumbarjua, was inaugurated to disseminate knowledge and practical insights to the local community, with a focus on empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and fostering economic development.The inauguration ceremony featured key dignitaries, including Dr. Milind Bhirud, General Manager NABARD, Dr. Sonali Bandekar, Assistant General Manager (AGM) at NABARD, Dr. Shrish Narnaware, In-charge of Animal and Fisheries Section at ICAR Old Goa, Shri. Trivesh Suresh Mayeker, Scientist in Fish Genetics and Breeding at ICAR Old Goa, and Mr. Sahil Thakur, President of Cumbarjua Group, along with other SHG members.

    Shri. Trivesh Suresh Mayekerextended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and outlined the project's objectives, emphasizing the establishment of similar Demonstration Units across Goa to benefit SHGs. Dr. ShirishNarnaware highlighted the economic potential of ornamental fish culture and underscored the pivotal role of local communities and SHGs in promoting it as a sustainable livelihood option.Dr. MilindBhirud, as the chief guest, commended NABARD's activities in promoting entrepreneurship development in Goa. He acknowledged ICAR's achievement in completing the third demonstration unit inaugural program and assured continued financial support for ornamental fish culture through NABARD. He also encouraged Self Help Group to set up Ornamental Fish hub in GoaDr. Sonali Bandekar stressed the importance of including youth and women groups in entrepreneurship, while Mr. Sahil Thakur expressed gratitude for the support received and requested ongoing assistance. The inaugural program, coordinated by Shri. Trivesh Mayeker and Dr. Sreekanth G.B, with support from Mr. B. Bjoy Borges, highlighted the commitment of ICAR-CCARI to the success of ornamental fish culture in the region. The institute looks forward to sustained collaboration with stakeholders to further enhance community well-being through entrepreneurial initiatives in ornamental fish culture.