In a major push towards sustainable rural development, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), in collaboration with the Sagar-Krishnanagar Swami Vivekananda Youth Cultural Society and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Nimpith, rolled out a series of impactful initiatives across Sagar Island, West Bengal, on June 7, 2025.
These activities were part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025), a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting scientific and climate-resilient practices among rural communities.
The campaign covered 23 villages and hosted four major interactive sessions in Rudranagar, Krishnanagar, Khasramkar, and Govindapur, engaging an impressive 3,325 farmers and fishers, of which 2,163 were women. The events brought together grassroots participants and scientific experts in a rare platform of mutual learning, with sessions focusing on improving productivity, managing fish disease, ensuring water quality, optimizing feed, and preparing for climate change impacts.
Leading the initiative were Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, and Dr. B.K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, who, along with senior scientists, conducted field visits and held face-to-face interactions with local stakeholders.
A key highlight was the session on climate-resilient aquaculture and agriculture, especially designed for the Sundarbans, a region constantly under threat due to its delicate deltaic environment. Scientists shared solutions like adaptive inland fisheries, integrated resource planning, and seasonal adjustments to help communities cope with climate shocks more effectively.
Dr. Jena emphasized the value of two-way communication during the programme, saying it wasn’t just about imparting knowledge but also learning from the lived experiences and traditional wisdom of fishers. This spirit of collaboration helped build trust and encouraged a culture of shared problem-solving that reflects real-world needs.
The programme also received strong backing from the state government, with the presence of Bankim Chandra Hazra, Minister-in-Charge of Sundarbans Affairs. His participation underlined West Bengal’s commitment to ecological preservation and rural empowerment in its coastal zones.
Farmers received tangible resources, including pamphlets on scientific fisheries, information on government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and pre-kharif advisories.
The event concluded with a collective pledge to adopt sustainable, climate-smart practices, marking a meaningful step toward resilience and self-reliance in one of India’s most climate-sensitive regions.
