Empowering Women Fishers in the Sundarbans: ICAR-CIFRI Hosts Mahila Matsyajibi Sammelan 3.0

22 November 2025, Barrackpore

ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, organised the Mahila Matsyajibi Sammelan 3.0 at Kultali, Sundarbans, in collaboration with the Kultali Milantirtha Society to mark World Fisheries Day. The event recognised the significant role of women in inland fisheries and spotlighted their contributions to sustaining livelihoods in the climate-vulnerable delta region.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, and Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agriculture Extension), ICAR, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Distinguished Guest, respectively.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jena commended the strong participation of women fishers, noting, “Their unwavering commitment reflects how deeply fisheries are interwoven with the Sundarbans’ livelihood economy. ICAR remains steadfast in ensuring that scientific advancements reach every fishing community, strengthening resilience and sustainable growth.” He reaffirmed that ICAR institutes and KVKs in the region will continue extending full support for technology dissemination.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Rajbir Singh stated that women are increasingly being supported in fish farming, harvesting, processing, and marketing. “The blue economy is unlocking new, sustainable opportunities for women in the Sundarbans fisheries sector,” he said.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted the institute’s decade-long interventions in backyard pond culture, canal fisheries, and ornamental fish farming across Gosaba, Hingalgunj, Namkhana, Kakdwip, and Kultali. He emphasised that the institute’s focus remains on empowering fish farmers especially women through accessible, adaptable, and locally relevant scientific solutions. Women participants also shared their field experiences during the session.

As part of the programme, fish fingerlings and ICAR-CIFRI CageGrow feed were distributed to 600 SC and ST women fish-farmers owning backyard ponds (0.02–0.04 ha). The beneficiaries were selected from 38 hamlets under 17 Gram Panchayats across Gosaba and Basanti blocks. ICAR-CIFRI scientists also conducted individual field visits to provide tailored technical support aimed at improving productivity and enhancing income.

The Sundarbans, frequently affected by cyclones and tidal surges, depends heavily on fisheries for livelihood resilience. Since 2013, ICAR-CIFRI has motivated more than 5,500 fishers to adopt small-scale inland fisheries and ornamental fish culture under SCSP/TSP initiatives, significantly improving livelihood security across the delta.

The event saw the participation of over 4,500 attendees, including scientists, officials, scholars, and community representatives. 

Distinguished guests such as Dr. Pradeep Dey, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata and Shri Ajoy Kumar Sinha, SBI, Baruipur, reaffirmed continued institutional collaboration.

Mahila Matsyajibi Sammelan 3.0 marks a major step forward in women’s empowerment, sustainable aquaculture, and community resilience in the fragile Sundarbans ecosystem. By recognising women as active partners in the fisheries sector, the programme supports the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

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