A remarkable transformation is underway in the heart of Odisha, lead by women determined to revive a disappearing delicacy and empower their communities. A decade and a half ago, the mola fish (Amblypharyngodon mola), a small indigenous species (SIS), was a culinary staple in Odia cuisine. However, environmental challenges such as changing climatic conditions, pollution, and the indiscriminate use of pesticides and fertilizers led to its gradual disappearance from local water bodies. But hope emerged when women, at the forefront of village-level programs, initiated efforts to restore the mahurali fish, known as chunna maacha locally, not just as a culinary delight but as a source of income and nutrition.
In September 2018, the Fish and Animal Resource Development (FARD) Department of Odisha launched an encouraging initiative to support Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) in scientifically farming fish in gram panchayat tanks. The focus? Promoting nutrition-sensitive pond polyculture by reintroducing the nutrient-rich mola alongside Indian major carps.
In villages like Badasahi, located in the Marapur gram panchayat in Mayurbhanj, women-led WSHGs embraced this initiative wholeheartedly. Taking up the mantle of nutrition-sensitive pond polyculture in 2019, a 12-member WSHG leased a five-acre village pond and introduced the SIS fish variety. Ashtami Killar, a member of the SHG, expressed their journey, highlighting the shift from merely selling fish to actively managing the pond, nurturing the fish, and reaping the benefits. The result? An additional Rs. 10,000 annually per household, transforming lives and livelihoods.
The success of such tasks was further bolstered by the Odisha Fisheries Policy of 2015, which aimed to enhance fish production across the state. By promoting fishing in underutilized gram panchayat (GP) tanks and fostering collaboration between various departments and WSHGs, the program gained momentum. Currently, 7,960 GP tanks covering over 6,742.36 hectares are leased out to 7,829 WSHGs, symbolizing a remarkable convergence of efforts towards sustainable development.
Debananda Bhanj, Additional Director of Fisheries, Odisha, emphasized the importance of training and guidance provided to WSHGs, ensuring sustainable and profitable fish production. The target of 2,500 kilograms per hectare crop in GP tanks underscores the commitment to economic viability alongside nutritional enrichment.
Yet, the impact of this gender-sensitive approach transcends mere economic gains. Shakuntala Thilsted, a CGIAR scientist specializing in nutrition-sensitive approaches, hailed it as a transformative endeavour, empowering women to take charge while addressing malnutrition within their communities. The reintroduction of mola fish not only augments household incomes but also ensures the availability of nutritious food, combating malnutrition at its root.
Sandhayarani Biswal from Mankidia village exemplifies the shift in mindset, envisioning the preparation of fish powder for mid-day meals and anganwadi centres, further amplifying the nutritional impact within and beyond their communities.
However, the journey towards nutrition-sensitive aquaculture is not without challenges. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as input subsidies provided by the government, have been instrumental in mitigating financial risks and fostering sustainability. The revenue generated from GP tanks in the year 2021-22 stood at an impressive Rs. 29.07 crore, reflecting the program’s economic viability.
Moreover, efforts to address seed availability challenges through the establishment of hatcheries signify a commitment to scalability and sustainability. With the capacity to produce up to 500 million mola spawns annually, the hatchery in Jagatsinghpur district stands as a beacon of hope, paving the way for widespread adoption of nutrition-sensitive aquaculture.
Sourabh Dubey, an aquaculture expert with WorldFish, underscored the simplicity and scalability of the breeding protocol, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize aquaculture practices not only in Odisha but across regions prioritizing nutrition-sensitive approaches.
As Odisha continues its journey towards sustainable development and nutritional security, the role of women as catalysts of change remains central. Through their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment, they are not only reviving a lost delicacy but also transforming lives and nourishing communities, one fish at a time.
Source: Mongabay
Images: WorldFish
