Women of Sunderbans sensitized on Canal Fisheries development
ICAR-CIFRI conducted a mass awareness camps at Kochukahali, Gosaba block of
Sunderban, West Bengal on 6 th January 2019 in collaboration with a local NGO “Sunderban
Dream” under TSP. Kochukhali is the smallest Island and one of the inaccessible area in
Sunderbans. More than 250 tribal women participated in the mass awareness programme.
Sunderban area harbours around 130 fish species and gradually the species diversity is
decreasing due to lack of awareness and heavy exploitation of natural resources. Canals are
constructed for irrigation and cultivation purposes in each area. These canals should serve for
livelihoods improvement and biodiversity conservation. Triabls fishers in this area are mostly
depending on these aquatic resources for their livelihood. Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-
CIFRI encouraged the women to form collective groups and to start fisheries intervention in
the unutilized canals of Sunderban for production enhancement. He also stress on the
conservation of fish diversity and importance of Small indigenous fish on human nutrition.
Farmers – scientists interaction was held in which, the queries of fishers regarding fisheries
development were clarified by the scientists of ICAR-CIFRI. Village transact, Social map,
resource map were prepared and training needs were assessed and accordingly, planned to
work with other ICAR institutes around Kolkata for holistic livelihood development in the
area. Dr. U. K. Sarkar, HoD, RWF Division, ICAR-CIFRI addressed the tribal fishers and
emphasized on market opportunities and efficient supply chain management for fetching
better return. At the end of the programme a swachhata drive was organized with active
participation of the tribal fishers and the local populace as well. The women participants were
sensitized about the importance of the cleanliness and hygiene in daily life. Dr. P.K. Parida
and Ms. Sukanya Som facilitated the programme.