The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has expanded its footprint into the Lakshadweep islands by taking over administrative control of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) situated at Kavarathi Island.

The CMFRI has drawn up an action plan for activation of the KVK, which is aimed at helping the islanders to efficiently tap the region’s unique agricultural resources.

KVK will focus on enhancing agricultural productivity, increasing farmers’ income, generating employment opportunities to locals, boosting value-added products from micro-enterprises, and facilitating market access.

Taking over the KVK will add impetus to CMFRI’s interventions in the islands, said A Gopalakrishnan, Director, CMFRI.

CMFRI has been studying the fisheries and ecosystem of the islands ever since the inception of the institute through focussed research projects, he said.

The Lakshadweep islands are known for their unique varieties of coconut and high-value oceanic tuna.

The institute runs a range of research projects, including one on coral reef-associated marine biodiversity, he added.