The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) and KVK, Bhubaneswar, observed Kisan Samman Diwas on December 23, 2023, in Turintira village of Balipatna Block, Khordha, with dedicated support from the FARMER First Project. This event, tailored to acknowledge and honor fishermen and fisheries practices, saw the active participation of fisheries experts and local fishing communities.
Dr. Harapriya Nayak, Head of KVK-Khordha, Dr. Pushpa Choudhury, Scientist from ICAR-CIFA, and Mrs. Sukanti Behera, SMS, KVK-Khordha, engaged with fishermen, addressing their queries and providing guidance on adopting scientific approaches in fish farming. Emphasizing the significance of sustainable fisheries practices, the experts offered valuable insights to enhance the productivity and environmental sustainability of fishing activities.
The program also featured testimonials from local fishing community members, including Mrs. Sumitra Behera, Secretary, and Mrs. Dharitree Mohanty, a member of the Self-Help Group (SHG) – Bhagabati Basudeva Swayamseva Gosthi, Turintira. Their experiences and interactions with CIFA scientists underscored the importance of aligning scientific knowledge with traditional fishing practices.
As a commendable aspect of the event, two exceptional women from the fishing community, Sasmita Swain from Taraboi and Sumita Sahu from Bagalpur, along with three outstanding SHGs – Maa Tarini SHG, Aloi, Kala Kanhu SHG, Dorobanga, and Surabhi SHG, Aitalanga, were recognized for their notable achievements in aquaculture and fisheries management.
The participation of approximately 100 fishermen and community members made this event a collaborative platform for the exchange of knowledge, highlighting the crucial role played by the local fishing community in sustaining and advancing fisheries practices in the region.
