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ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centres Promote Women’s Empowerment, Nutritional Security and Sustainable Rural Livelihoods

15^th October 2026
Bengaluru/Prayagraj/Vadodara
The Regional Centres of ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) at Bengaluru and Prayagraj organised programmes to recognise and strengthen women’s contributions to fisheries, agriculture, nutritional security and sustainable rural livelihoods under the leadership of Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI. ICAR-CIFRI, Regional Centre, Bengaluru, organised a programme on “Women in Fisheries: Enhancing Nutritional Security and Rural Livelihoods” under the guidance of Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, Head of the Regional Centre. The programme was attended by 15 participants from Kakolu, Hesaraghatta and Seedahembanahalli villages of Bengaluru, Karnataka. It highlighted the importance of women’s self-help groups, fisheries-based entrepreneurship and income-generating activities in enhancing household incomes and strengthening rural livelihoods. The programme also emphasised the nutritional value of fish as a source of high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, underscoring its contribution to improved household nutrition and food security.

Meanwhile, ICAR-CIFRI, Regional Centre, Prayagraj, celebrated Women Farmers’ Day at Haraipur village in Kaushambi district, Uttar Pradesh, under the guidance of Dr. Balasaheb Ramdas Chavan, to recognise and celebrate the indispensable contributions of women farmers to agriculture, fisheries and sustainable rural livelihoods. The initiative highlighted the pivotal role of women in strengthening farm-based enterprises, enhancing household income, ensuring food and nutritional security, and building resilient rural economies. The celebration also emphasised the need to enhance women’s access to scientific knowledge, modern technologies and livelihood opportunities, reaffirming their position as key agents of agricultural transformation, economic empowerment and inclusive rural development.

Reflecting on the occasion, Dr. Dey emphasized that empowering rural women through skill development, collective action, self-help groups and entrepreneurship is vital for advancing sustainable fisheries, strengthening rural livelihoods and building resilient communities. He highlighted that enhancing women’s leadership and promoting fisheries-based enterprises, alongside greater fish consumption, can generate sustainable employment, improve household incomes and contribute to nutritional security. These forward-looking initiatives reaffirm ICAR-CIFRI’s commitment to positioning rural women as key drivers of inclusive economic growth, sustainable resource management and a prosperous, nutrition-secure future. The celebration reaffirmed ICAR-CIFRI’s commitment to promoting gender-inclusive fisheries development, strengthening women-led livelihood initiatives and translating scientific innovations into tangible socio-economic benefits for rural communities. The initiative also highlighted the importance of recognising women farmers as vital stakeholders in building a sustainable, resilient and prosperous rural economy.