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Dr. J. K. Jena, DDG (Fisheries Science) inaugurated women empowerment initiatives in 'Mahila Matsyajibi Sammelan 2.0' at Kultali Sundarban

17^th August, 2024
The Sundarbans, an extensive region of mangrove forests and waterways, stretches across the southern part of Bangladesh and the eastern part of India. The Indian Sundarbans, in particular, face frequent threats from these natural disasters, compelling the local population to adapt and find sustainable means of livelihood. One of the primary occupations in this region is fisheries, which provides a vital source of income for many families. Women in the Sundarbans play a crucial role in the fisheries sector, often engaging in small-scale aquaculture to support their families. Despite their significant contribution, these women face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources, lack of formal training, and the constant threat of natural disasters. The harsh environmental conditions, combined with socio-economic constraints, make it difficult for women fishers to sustain their livelihoods and achieve economic stability.

ICAR-CIFRI has been pivotal in improving the livelihoods of women beneficiaries in the Sundarbans by providing comprehensive support for fish farming. Through various training programs and workshops, women have been equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable aquaculture practices. In line with the International Women's Day theme for 2023, "Accelerating Equality & Empowerment," ICAR-CIFRI launched "Mission 3000," aimed at adopting 3,000 women across India under various schemes to empower them economically. As part of this mission, the first Mahila Matsya Sammelan (Women Fishers Meet) was organized on May 19, 2023, at Kultali, Basanti Sundarbans, West Bengal, in collaboration with the Kultali Milan Tirtha Society, with the objective to provide fisheries inputs to 500 women from vulnerable communities to generate alternative sources of income, which was inaugurated by Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Government of India, and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

This year, on 17 August 2024, ICAR-CIFRI has organized the Mahila Matsyajibi Sammelan 2.0 in collaboration with NFDB, Hyderabad; and NAAS Regional Chapter, Kolkata . It was presided over by Dr. J.K Jena, DDG (Fisheries Science), ICAR,New Delhi. Dr. Jena addressed the audience and inspired the women fishers to utilize the available water resources to do the small-scale aquaculture. He also told that it could be a viable option for their alternative livelihoods. He also assured that ICAR will develop the capacity of the women fishers to develop their knowledge and skill in small-scale fisheries that will help to improve their livelihoods. Dr. Pradip Dey,Director ATARI was also present in the ‘Mahila Matsyajibi Sammelan 2.0’ and praised the initiative. Mr. Sidhartha Sankar Dash,DGM(ABU & GSS),SBI,Kolkata also participated in the Women Farmers Meet and delivered a talk on the available schemes that can help the fisher women to access the credit facilities. The programme was started with the welcome address by Dr. B.K dAs,Director,CIFRI and ended with the input distribution to the 500 selected women beneficiaries from 50 villages of 11 GP, Gosaba and Basanti Blocks,Sundarbans. Each beneficiary was given 100 kg CIFRI cage grow feed and 6 kg of IMC fish seeds.ss

The programme aims to empower women fishers to sustain their livelihoods and contribute to the rural economy. This initiative will embody hope, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of the women fishers of the Sundarbans to rise above adversity with courage and determination.