Assam’s rich water resources provide an ideal setting for a thriving aquaculture sector, contributing significantly to the global food production system. However, the industry faces challenges stemming from climate change and the overuse of harsh chemicals, posing threats to both the environment and public health.
The adverse impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall patterns, disrupt the seasonal production calendar, affecting productivity and livelihoods in the fish farming-dependent communities. Additionally, the excessive use of antibiotics, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers in freshwater aquaculture contributes to environmental degradation and health concerns.
In Assam, where the aquaculture sector has long been male-dominated, women face limited access to ownership and decision-making roles. Recognizing the need for structural inclusion and empowerment, a cooperative society named Champavati Meen Palan Samabai Samiti was established in 2020, comprising 2000 women fish farmers in the Morigaon district.
The cooperative society embarked on a journey of commercial fish farming, gaining access to resources, training, and support. In a significant shift, women fish farmers transitioned from conventional practices to natural farming through a gender-sensitive program launched by ICCSPL with support from the German agency GIZ.
Through collective action and a Peer Monitoring Tool, the women adopted natural fish farming practices, qualifying them for the Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS) for organic certification. Their success highlights the efficacy of gender-inclusive policies and collective efforts in driving positive change.
However, challenges persist, including deep-rooted patriarchal norms and complex intersections of gender and caste. Convincing male family members to support women’s involvement in fish farming required significant effort, and issues of financial control and caste dynamics continue to pose hurdles.
The women’s collective effort exemplifies the potential for gender-inclusive approaches to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainability in the aquaculture sector. As society addresses intersecting forms of oppression, it paves the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for aquaculture in Assam and beyond.
