DDG ICAR (Fisheries) inaugurates India’s first Mariculture STI Hub at ICAR-CMFRI

Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR inaugurated India's first Mariculture STI Hub at the ICAR–CMFRI Veraval Regional Station on 22nd August 2025. Funded by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), this hub is dedicated to empowering the Siddi tribal community through mariculture entrepreneurship. This initiative is a powerful example of how science and technology can create sustainable livelihoods and directly uplift coastal communities.

In his inaugural address, DDG stated that the hub will contribute significantly to the nation’s Blue Economy mission. It will provide the Siddi community with the tools and training to become successful entrepreneurs, building a strong mariculture model in Gujarat and reaffirming our commitment to inclusive growth, Dr J K Jena said.

Dr. Grinson George, Director of ICAR-CMFRI, in his presidential address, remarked that “this hub is a unique example of how science can directly uplift coastal communities and align with India’s sustainable development goals.

The inaugural event was witnessed by dignitaries, including ICAR-CIFT Director Dr George Ninan and officials from Department of Fisheries, MPEDA, Export Industries Association, Port Officer, Coastal Police Veraval, and Indian Coast Guard, alongside scientists, academicians, and stakeholders from the fisheries sector.

Dr. Swathi Lekshmi, SIC Veraval RS,Dr. Divu D., Principal Investigator of the project, and Shri. Hasam Bhai Musagra from Siddi tribal community spoke at the function.

On this occasion, the guests visited the newly established facilities including the customised Mariculture Research Vessel, set up to boost research and training activities.