The Japanese Government, through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has allocated a grant of US$3 million to enhance inland fisheries and uplift rural livelihoods in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries of Sri Lanka.
This initiative aims to reinforce food and nutritional security while bolstering resilience by establishing four community-operated mini hatcheries in Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Anuradhapura, and Monaragala districts. Additionally, it will upgrade four NAQDA Aquaculture Development Centres and one community-operated mini fish breeding centre to expand breeding and rearing capacity. The project will also focus on enhancing fingerling stocks in selected reservoirs, developing broodstock for breeding units, and promoting cage culture for seed rearing among fisher communities.
Furthermore, the one-year project will provide three live fish transportation trucks to NAQDA to facilitate fingerling transportation, integrate digital technology into inland fisheries, and enhance the technical capacities of officers and fishers in production, management, processing, and value addition of inland fisheries.
Ambassador Mizukoshi highlighted the shared importance of fisheries in both Japan and Sri Lanka’s economies and cultures, emphasizing Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s fisheries development. Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries, underscored the significance of revitalizing Sri Lanka’s inland fisheries sector to address recent financial challenges and ensure sustainable benefits for all stakeholders involved.
The project is expected to directly benefit approximately 3,000 inland fishers, 40 farmers engaged in mini hatchery operations, and 20 farmers specializing in fish feed preparation, with further positive impacts on indirect beneficiaries such as family members, consumers, dry fish producers, and stakeholders in research and academia.
Mr. Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka, highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable development, while Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka, emphasized the necessity of increasing inland fish production to uplift livelihoods and fortify resilience in rural communities.
FAO reaffirmed its commitment to the successful implementation of the project, aiming to create lasting positive impacts on food security, livelihoods, and resilience in Sri Lanka’s rural communities.
