The SAARC Development Fund (SDF), in collaboration with national institutions and technical agencies from five member states, has officially launched the AquaLivelihood Project in Colombo, marking a significant regional push to uplift smallholder fish farmers and tackle nutrition challenges across South Asia.
Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, who attended as Chief Guest, described the three-year initiative as “a transformative journey” that will enhance livelihoods, strengthen food systems, and unite regional stakeholders in a common mission.
The project represents a total investment of $3.97 million, with $3.23 million provided as an SDF grant and $739,109 as in-kind co-financing. It aims to benefit over 120,000 rural households—30% of them women—in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Formally titled “Livelihood Enhancement of Small-Scale Fish Farmers and Nutrition Security of Rural Masses in the SAARC Region through Aquaculture Development”, AquaLivelihood is led by India’s ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) in partnership with fisheries authorities from each participating country, including Sri Lanka’s National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA).
The project focuses on three strategic components:
Survey and technology identification – mapping aquaculture resources, feed, and seed, and promoting inclusive practices.
Infrastructure development – establishing pilot-scale feed mills and hatcheries to boost local fish production.
Capacity building – organising cross-border training, on-farm demonstrations, and gender-focused knowledge exchange.
SDF Officer-in-Charge Irosha Cooray emphasised that the initiative aligns with the SAARC Charter and Social Charter, promoting poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and regional integration. “By empowering small-scale farmers and fostering knowledge exchange, we strengthen food security, sustainable development, and regional solidarity,” she said.
Fish remains a vital protein source in South Asia, providing over 60% of animal protein in countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Aquaculture growth has been robust in the past decade—11% in Nepal, 5.4% in Bangladesh, and 6–8% in India—while the fisheries sector significantly contributes to agricultural GDP and rural livelihoods.
ICAR Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science) Dr. Joykrushna Jena said India is proud to lead this collaborative effort, while Project Coordinator Dr. Shiba Shankar Giri noted that the project builds on nine policy briefs developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. NAQDA Director General Dr. J.M. Asoka highlighted its importance for Sri Lanka’s rural economy and regional partnerships.
Implementation will cover selected districts across all five countries, with Sri Lanka focusing on the North Central and North Western Provinces. A two-day inception workshop will follow the launch to align strategies and ensure coordinated execution across the region.
