5th November 2024, Dhankutti, Barabanki
ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow launched an impactful initiative to empower rural women in Barabanki through ornamental fish farming as part of Mission Navshakti 2.0. Launched in February 2024, the project has seen Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from Gurwagouri, Basant Nagar, Rehramau, and Dhankutti transform small spaces into fish ponds, cultivating species like molly and guppy. The programme is focused on enhancing livelihoods, particularly for women from the Scheduled Caste community.
Dr U.K. Sarkar, Director, ICAR-NBFGR, urged the women to pursue entrepreneurial growth.
With guidance from ICAR-NBFGR and technical partners Aquaworld and Hitech Fish Farm, the women received training to rear ornamental fish in home-based aquariums, expanding to small ponds. Over the past eight months, their efforts have shown positive results, and they are now ready to scale up by forming a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) with support from NABARD. This FPO will provide legal recognition, enabling women to access markets, better pricing, and government resources.
As part of the initiative, ICAR-NBFGR is also establishing a women-led resource hub to centralize fish selling and collection, enhancing operational efficiency. The hub will include shared assets, such as durable chairs, symbolizing the project’s commitment to the dignity and well-being of participants.
The FPO and resource hub are expected to lay the groundwork for long-term economic empowerment, transforming ornamental fish farming into a sustainable and scalable livelihood for rural women in Barabanki.
This initiative highlights the transformative power of institutional support in empowering rural communities and fostering financial independence for women.
(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow)
