Kisan Mela for Livelihood enhancement of Tribal farmers

ICAR KVK Thiruvannamalai organized a Kisan Mela aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of Tribal farmers and farm women under the TSP, in collaboration with the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, Kerala on 10.09.2025. The event was chaired by Mr. S. Ramesh, Chairman, Tamil Nadu Board of Rural Development. Dr. K. Mayakrishnan, Subject Matter Specialist (Animal Science) extended a warm welcome to all participants and lectured on various central and state government initiatives designed to improve the socio-economic conditions of Tribal farmers.

Dr. V. Chandrasekhar, Principal Scientist, CIFT, Kerala participated as special guest and delivered a keynote address emphasizing the significance of fish farming and the employment opportunities. Mrs. T. Margaret, Subject Matter Specialist (Home Science) informed the farmers about the production of value-added products in fish-based foods and their importance. Mr. R. Vijayakumar, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) offered scientific guidance on various queries from farmers regarding the cultivation of fruit crops.

The chief guests distributed five coracles, four deep freezer boxes, two mobile carts and tamarind pulping machine to cooperative farmers' society for the upliftment of their lives by doing fish catching and value added products. Mrs. Lavanya, Assistant Director of Horticulture and Mr. Jayabalan, Field Director, SST trust participated. A total of 150 farmers and farm women from different villages were attended the event.