Women farmers in rural Uttar Pradesh are embracing a new dimension in agriculture as they integrate fish farming into their traditional crop cultivation, thanks to the innovative initiative called ‘Aqua Schools’ by Transform Rural India (TRI).
The initiative, aimed at empowering women farmers, focuses on revolutionising fish farming practices, enhancing productivity, and promoting aquaculture within the region. TRI provides comprehensive capacity-building programs where women farmers receive ponds and technical support from facilitators, equipping them with essential skills in fisheries management.
Already benefiting nearly 100 women farmers, the project is set to expand to more villages soon. Services such as water testing, fish food supply, marketing support, and construction of artificial ponds for demonstration purposes are also part of the initiative.
Gaurav Misra, Director of Operations at TRI, emphasises their commitment to multidimensional transformation in rural communities. “We not only help villagers find innovative livelihood opportunities but also train them in maintaining, marketing, and supporting their products or services,” he states.
The collaboration between TRI and local farmers not only enhances fish production but also significantly contributes to the socioeconomic empowerment of women. Ram Rani, a farmer associated with Gram Panchayat Urra Gulra SHG, exemplifies this empowerment by repurposing unused land for fish farming using the Biofloc model.
With support from TRI, Ram Rani’s venture into fish farming has proven fruitful, with her pond now holding 50-60 kg of fish, estimated to be worth at least Rs 15,000. She is now considering further expansion.
Moreover, beyond traditional fish farming, Aqua Schools encourage integrated farming practices, combining fish farming with cultivation of crops like makhana, chestnut, or lotus, alongside poultry and duck farming. This holistic approach contributes to sustainable income generation for rural communities.
Manju Devi, another beneficiary of Aqua Schools, highlights the nutritional and economic benefits: “We reared fish through this initiative and also produced food. When we farmed the fish, we made use of some as food for our family, and we were able to sell the rest.”
Transform Rural India’s vision is to transform India’s villages into flourishing, self-sustaining communities, ensuring equal opportunities for all. Through initiatives like Aqua Schools, they are actively working towards this vision in states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.