The SAARC Development Fund (SDF), in partnership with leading national institutions and technical government agencies of the five SAARC member countries, officially launched the AquaLivelihood Project in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The launch marks a pivotal regional effort to uplift smallholder fish farmers and improve nutrition security across the region.
The three-year regional initiative represents a total investment of USD 3.97 million, including a USD 3.23 million grant from SDF and USD 739,109 in 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.
The project titled “Livelihood enhancement of small-scale fish farmers and nutrition security of rural masses in the SAARC region through aquaculture development”, also known as AquaLivelihood, is spearheaded by Indian Council for Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), in close collaboration with government agencies from each participating country:
- Department of Fisheries in Bangladesh
- National Research and Development Center for Aquaculture in Bhutan
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- Central Fisheries Promotion and Conservation Center in Nepal
- National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka.
AquaLivelihood responds to two critical regional priorities: Strengthening the livelihoods of small-scale aquaculture farmers and addressing malnutrition through sustainable fish production systems.
The project will be implemented through three strategic components:
- Survey and technology identification: Mapping aquaculture inputs, feed, and seed, and promoting inclusive practices.
- Infrastructure development: Establishing pilot-scale feed mills and fish hatcheries to enhance local production.
- Capacity building and knowledge sharing: Conducting cross-border stakeholders’ training and on-farm demonstrations with a strong focus on gender equity and knowledge exchange
“AquaLivelihood is not merely a project, but a timely and transformative journey toward a more resilient future for small-scale farmers,” the Minister of Fisheries of Sri Lanka, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, mentioned in a press release. “As our nations emerge from the shadows of the pandemic and ongoing economic challenges, this initiative serves as a unifying force by bringing together member states, governments, researchers, and communities to uplift livelihoods, enhance nutrition and drive collective progress.”
Irosha Cooray, officer in charge of SDF, said: “This project exemplifies the power of regional collaboration in addressing shared challenges. By empowering small-scale fish farmers, particularly women, and fostering knowledge exchange, AquaLivelihood strengthens the foundations of food security, sustainable development and regional solidarity in our region”.
The deputy general director (Fisheries Science) of ICAR said: “This project reflects our shared commitment to regional cooperation, policy alignment, and inclusive growth in the fisheries sector across South Asia”. In addition, the General Director of the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA), Dr. J. M. Asoka, added: “This project represents a timely and strategic intervention for the South Asian region. By focusing on small-scale aquaculture, it not only enhances income opportunities for rural communities but also supports national and regional goals for food and nutrition security.”
The AquaLivelihood Project will be implemented in selected locations across five SAARC member states:
- Bangladesh (Mymensingh, Narsingdi, Bogura, Bagerhat, Satkhira)
- Bhutan (Lhamoizhingkha, Chekiling and selected areas in Sarpang, Samdrup Jongkhar and Pemagatsel districts)
- India (Odisha, West Bengal, Punjab, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu)
- Nepal (Janakpur, Bhairahwa, Chitwan, Morang, Jhapa, Sunsari)
- Sri Lanka (North Central and North Western Provinces).
The launch of this regional project will be followed by a two-day inception workshop with implementing partners from all the country members to establish a shared understanding of project goals, align implementation strategies, and ensure a coordinated and impactful rollout across the region.
