In an effort to empower women in the fishing industry, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) organized the Mahila Matasyajibi Sammelan (Women Fishers Meet) in collaboration with the Kultali Milantirth Society. The event, held in the picturesque region of Kultali in the Sundarbans of West Bengal, marked a significant initiative benefiting 500 dedicated female fishers.
Recognizing the vital role played by women in ensuring the sustainability of fisheries, CIFRI provided essential fishery inputs to equip them with the necessary tools and resources, enhancing their fishing activities. Over the past decade, CIFRI has introduced impactful interventions like backyard pond culture, canal fisheries, and ornamental fish farming in the Sundarbans region, positively impacting the livelihoods of targeted beneficiaries.
The interventions have led to increased income and alternative livelihood opportunities for the beneficiaries, prompting CIFRI to extend support to another 2,000 women from vulnerable communities this year, contributing to their economic empowerment. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Education, Government of India, and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, served as the Chief Guest for the event.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pathak expressed concern for the challenges faced by the rural population of the Sundarbans, particularly in the wake of frequent natural disasters such as cyclones. He commended ICAR-CIFRI for its efforts in enhancing the livelihoods of women fishers and announced the adoption of 500 women fishers under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) programs.
Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted the successful interventions implemented by CIFRI over the past decade, emphasizing their positive impact on the livelihoods of beneficiaries in various regions of the Sundarbans. The event, attended by over 4,500 women fishers, also saw the presence of officers and staff members from state departments, ICAR institutes, and Krishna Vigyan Kendra. The collaborative efforts of the dedicated ‘Team CIFRI,’ including scientists, staff members, and research scholars, were instrumental in the successful organization of the program.
