Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 25: A one day Seaweed workshop was organized by the Department of Fisheries, Andaman & Nicobar Administration in collaboration with NIOT-ACOSTI at the campus of NIOT, Dollygunj today. The occasion was graced by Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman as chief guest. The event witnessed the presence of Ms. Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, Director of Fisheries, Dr. K. Gopal, Joint Director of Fisheries, Smti. Gurjeet Kaur, Block Development Officer, Prothrapur Block, and the Officer-in-Charge, NIOT-ACOSTI.
The event saw active participation from over 55 stakeholders including Self Help Group (SHG) members, local entrepreneurs, officials from the Department of Fisheries, Rural Development Department, NABARD, and others. Additionally, scientists from ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and an official from the Department of Fisheries, Tamil Nadu joined the workshop virtually.
The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman appreciated the Department of Fisheries’ effort for promotion of Seaweed cultivation in A&N Islands by bringing all the stakeholders like NIOT, NABARD, ICAR- CMFRI etc in one platform. The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the scope for additional source of income for the SHG group members and locals through Seaweed cultivation. He also motivated the gathering specifying the huge potential of the unexplored sector of Seaweed cultivation.
The Director of Fisheries welcomed the gathering and emphasized the Department’s commitment towards engaging the local communities in seaweed cultivation. Further, she informed the gathering that the Department is exploring the different potential models of implementation of Seaweed cultivation in A&N Islands through various schemes components of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of India, NABARD and line Departments & motivated the participants on Seaweed Cultivation.
The Officer-in-Charge, NIOT-ACOSTI, shared insights into ongoing research and the institute’s role in capacity building and product development using seaweed in the A&N Islands. He further informed the institute’s commitment towards capacity building of coastal community in Seaweed cultivation.
The Block Development Officer, Prothrapur urged the women SHG members to utilize this opportunity in their capacity development through this workshop.
During the technical session, Joint Director of Fisheries, provided insights on the basic concept of seaweed cultivation and its various applications of Seaweed in day to day life. Dr. Vinod & Dr. B Johnson from ICAR-CMFRI delivered a session through virtual mode on culture techniques for commercially important species of Seaweed in A&N Islands with special focus on Gracilaria edulis. Dr. M. Savurirajan, Scientist, NIOT-ACOSTI delivered a session on value addition and product development opportunities in A&N Islands.
Shri Rahul Damari, DGM, NABARD, Sri Vijaya Puram, briefed the gathering on financial assistance available for coastal entrepreneurs and SHG members, while Shri Pradeep, Deputy Director, Department of Fisheries, Tamil Nadu, presented a successful commercial model of seaweed cultivation in Tamil Nadu.
The practical session included hands-on demonstrations by NIOT-ACOSTI scientists on raft fabrication and seed inoculation techniques. The workshop marked a significant step toward creating awareness and building capacity for seaweed cultivation in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, aiming at sustainable livelihoods and economic development for the coastal community. The workshop concluded with an interactive session, followed by certificate distribution, and vote of thanks.
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