CMFRI aims to transform Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Lakshadweep

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has taken over administrative control of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Kavarathi, Lakshadweep Islands. The CMFRI, coming under the Indian Council of Agriculture Research Institute (ICAR), has drawn up an action plan for activation of the KVK which is aimed at facilitating the islanders efficiently tap its agricultural resources on land and sea for a quality life, an official press release said here Friday.

The KVK would focus on enhancing agricultural productivity, farmers income, employment opportunities to locals, especially women, value-added products by micro-enterprises and market access, the release said. An agricultural extension centre under the ICAR for linking the agricultural research institutions and the farmer, the KVK would involve in various eco-labelling efforts for unique commodities of the islands, it said.

This includes green certification of Lakshadweep coconut and MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification of tuna fisheries that would facilitate market advantage for these commodities from the islands, the release said. Taking over of the KVK would add impetus to the CMFRIs interventions in the islands with the KVK forming the base for the operation of various activities of the institute, said Dr A Gopalakrishnan, director of the CMFRI, in the release.

The Lakshadweep islands are well known for its unique varieties of coconut and high-value oceanic tunas as well as the eco-friendly approach for coconut cultivation and tuna- fishing," he said. The institute is running a range of research projects, including on coral reef-associated marine biodiversity of the islands and fishery management plan for tuna, aimed at sustaining the ecosystem and the fisheries in Lakshadweep, he said.

(With inputs from agencies.)