Mahila Matsyajibi Diwas 2.0 Celebrated in Sundarbans to Empower Women Fishers

26 December 2025, Barrackpore

In a major step towards strengthening climate-resilient livelihoods in the cyclone-prone Indian Sundarbans, the ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute organised Mahila Matsyajibi Diwas 2.0 at Kultali, Basanti, today. The programme was held in collaboration with the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, NAAS Regional Chapter, Kolkata and Kultali Milon Tirtha Society.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, who graced as the Chief Guest. Shri R.Arunkumar, Senior Executive (Tech), NFDB, Hyderabad graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jena highlighted the deep socio-economic link between fisheries and the Sundarbans and reiterated ICAR’s commitment to ensuring that scientific innovations reach grassroots communities to promote resilience and sustainable development.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr. B.K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, emphasised the institute’s decade-long interventions under SCSP and TSP programmes. He highlighted ICAR-CIFRI’s work in backyard pond culture, canal fisheries and ornamental fish production across Gosaba, Hingalgunj, Namkhana, Kakdwip and Kultali, noting that the institute focuses on empowering women fishers through locally relevant, climate-resilient and economically viable scientific solutions.

The event witnessed the participation of around 4,000 women fishers from different parts of the Sundarbans and aimed to recognise and reinforce the crucial role of women in inland fisheries and aquaculture. Five successful women fishers were felicitated for their exemplary contributions to sustainable fisheries-based livelihoods.

During the programme, 400 tribal women beneficiaries received fish seed, feed and technical guidance on improved aquaculture practices, water quality management and disease prevention. Interactive sessions enabled direct knowledge exchange between scientists and women fishers, addressing practical challenges faced in inland fisheries.

One of the major highlights of the event was on field demonstration of Cargo Drone, showcasing its potential applications in fisheries management. ICAR-CIFRI scientists explained disease management in inland fisheries and ways to enhance income through scientific aquaculture practices.

The programme reaffirmed the importance of gender-inclusive fisheries development, underscoring women’s leadership as a key driver of sustainable livelihoods, nutritional security and ecological conservation in the Sundarbans. Beyond resource distribution, the event fostered a strong sense of community and solidarity among women fishers, reinforcing their vital role in building a resilient coastal ecosystem. To commemorate the occasion, ICAR-CIFRI released six pamphlets in Bengali.

(Source: ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore)