Barguna Correspondent

BRAC has released more than four lakh climate-tolerant fish fry in 113 ponds in Patharghata, Barguna, with the aim of combating the effects of climate change, increasing the adaptive capacity of coastal communities, and expanding sustainable fisheries.

The program was officially inaugurated in the Uttar Haritana area of Sadar Union of the upazila on Wednesday. The initiative is being implemented under the 'Rain for Life' project of BRAC's Climate and Environmental Innovation Program, funded by the Royal Danish Embassy.

According to BRAC sources, a total of more than 400,000 fish fry have been released into ponds of 113 selected fish farmers from different unions of the upazila, covering an area of about 42 bighas. This includes 109,800 monosex tilapia, 260,400 saltwater tengra and 24,200 taro fry.

Patharghata Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Md. Hasibul Haque was the chief guest at the event. He said, "In the context of climate change, climate-tolerant fish farming is the need of the hour. It is possible to ensure sustainable fish farming by increasing production through modern technology and scientific management."

In his speech, Patharghata Sadar Union Parishad Chairman Md. Chagir Alam said that such initiatives to address the risks of climate change in coastal regions will play an important role in ensuring food and nutritional security of the people and also increasing their income.

Agriculturist Md. Asaduzzaman, operations manager of BRAC's 'Rain for Life' project, said that climate-tolerant fish farming will increase the adaptive capacity of local communities and help ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Local public representatives, fishermen, farmers, representatives of various organizations, and media personnel were present at the event.

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