In a remarkable initiative by the Indian Council for Agriculture Research – National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR – NBFGR), 50 Scheduled Caste women from Dhankutti village in Barabanki have embarked on a transformative journey into ornamental fish farming. The workshop, held in February as part of the mission Navshakti, provided participants with valuable resources and knowledge to kickstart their new venture.
The workshop equipped each woman with five pairs of Molly and Guppy fish and an aquarium, along with detailed training on fish maintenance and breeding. To ensure continued support, participants were also added to a dedicated WhatsApp group where they received expert guidance and answers to their queries.
This initiative has proven to be a catalyst for economic empowerment. Recently, two of the women, Seema and Usha, successfully sold 500 fish, marking their first earnings from this venture. Their success story is a testament to the program’s impact and potential for creating sustainable livelihoods.
Usha Rawat, one of the first to see financial gains from her new business, expressed her surprise and satisfaction, saying, “I never imagined that rearing fish could be so profitable. It’s been a rewarding experience.”
This effort by ICAR – NBFGR not only demonstrates the effectiveness of skill development programs but also highlights the potential for rural women to achieve financial independence through innovative agricultural practices. The initiative continues to inspire and uplift communities, proving that with the right support, transformative change is possible.
Source-Hindustan Times
