31th December, 2024
The Indian Sundarbans is combating tropical cyclones along with massive tidal surges. A large section of the Sundarbans population is engaged in fisheries and allied activities. Over the last decade, ICAR-CIFRI has been tirelessly supporting the rural populace of the Sundarbans by providing various technological inputs to rejuvenate their livelihoods through fish farming under the SCSP/TSP development programs. Since 2013, ICAR-CIFRI has motivated more than 5000 fishers to initiate small-scale inland fisheries in their rainfed homestead waterbodies and explore ornamental fish farming as an alternative source of livelihood to boost the rural economy. The women of the Sundarbans carry a heavy burden, not just of nature’s fury but also of societal inequities.
In this context, ICAR-CIFRI observed “Mahila Matsyajibi Diwas” for the first time on December 26, 2024, at Mela Ground, Kultali, Basanti, Sundarbans in collaboration with the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, NAAS regional Chapter,Kolkata and Kultali Milon Tirtha Society. The event aimed to honor the vital contributions of women in fisheries and aquaculture, particularly in the Sundarbans. It emphasized their resilience and essential roles in sustaining families and communities while aiming to increase their participation in fisheries and address social and economic challenges.
During the event, Success Story Series – 4, titled Success Stories of Fishing Communities of Sundarbans, was released.
Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ATARI, Chief Guest of the function elaborated on the crucial role of women in small-scale aquaculture, emphasizing its contribution to enhancing livelihood opportunities and nutritional security. Dr. B.K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted the organization’s interventions through SCSP projects, from input distribution to empowering women fishers in the Sundarbans. He announced that Mahila Matsyajibi Divas would be celebrated annually in Sundarban area to recognize and promote the critical contributions of women in fisheries, ensuring continued support for their empowerment and resilience. Sri Alok Jain, Deputy General Manager, SBI and Sri Subrata Hazra, AGM, SBI addressed the audience and also announced the launching of CIFRI-SBZI collaborative Model Village Development Project in Sundarbans.
A demonstration of drone applications in the fisheries sector showcased among the women beneficiaries and this innovative approach has the potential to improving aquaculture practices and resource management. The event also included the signing of an MoU between CIFRI and Kultali Milon Tirtha Society, symbolizing strengthened institutional support for fisher communities. Fisheries inputs were distributed to 500 women beneficiaries of Scheduled Caste community to improve their livelihoods. Around 5000 women participated in that event.
Read more: http://www.cifri.res.in/art841.html
