Recommendation letters for sea cucumber farming were officially issued to 120 fishermen from the Northern Province yesterday (20). The ceremony, held at the auditorium of the Kayts (Urkavaturai) Divisional Secretariat in Jaffna, was presided over by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar.
Aimed at strengthening the economy of the northern fishing community, these recommendation letters grant one acre of sea cucumber farming land to each of the 120 beneficiaries, who belong to 20 different producer groups. This initiative paves the way for the fishermen to legally acquire aquaculture management licenses.
Speaking at the event, Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar emphasized that this project will make a significant contribution to boosting the country’s ‘Blue Economy’ and generating vital foreign exchange.
The event was organized by the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) under the guidance of the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Chandrasekar stated:
“Sea cucumber farming is a premier sector that provides a stable livelihood and a high income for coastal communities. It contributes immensely towards strengthening our nation’s Blue Economy and increasing foreign exchange earnings. Our Ministry remains continuously committed to uplifting the rural economy and generating new employment opportunities by expanding community-based aquaculture projects across the island.”
The ceremony was attended by NAQDA Chairman Kithsiri Dharmapriya, Kayts Divisional Secretary Vanaja Selvaratnam, NAQDA Northern Province Assistant Director P. Niruparaj, senior officials from the Ministry and NAQDA, as well as representatives from local fisheries societies and a large number of beneficiaries.
