Small scale farmers in Chitrakonda area of Malkangiri, Odisha have few opportunities of raising their income. After consulting with local authorities, Essar Foundation worked with community members and self-help groups to provide skills and aid the farmers with alternative livelihood opportunities, using existing water bodies for scientific fish farming.
Essar Foundation provided skill training, fingerlings, feed and know-how to the new fish farmers of Chitrakonda block. Over 60 families in 5 villages are farming popular fish varieties like Rohu, Katla, Mrigal, Grass carp, China and Silver Carp, using organic methods.
Additionally, the support of fisheries department has been mobilized to provide fish feed, storage baskets and medicines to fish farmers. Last monsoon, with guidance from experts, farmers have harvested 100 kgs of fish for sale in the local markets!
Watch the video to know more.