On October 26, 2025, in a landmark step toward empowering tribal women and promoting sustainable livelihoods, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, launched a major community-based aquaculture initiative in the drought-prone district of Purulia, West Bengal.
Implemented under the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC), the programme aims to uplift tribal households by integrating scientific fish farming with income generation and nutritional improvement. Situated on the Chotanagpur Plateau, Purulia is home to a vibrant tribal population that constitutes nearly 18.45% of the district’s residents. Despite its cultural richness, the region continues to face economic challenges and limited livelihood options, particularly for women.
Addressing these concerns, the ICAR-CIFRI initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. The programme, implemented across Puncha, Manbazar, and adjoining blocks, focuses on community-managed fish farming to enhance livelihood opportunities and nutritional security in the drought-prone region.
Under this initiative, ICAR-CIFRI introduced scientific fish culture in locally available rainfed water bodies, known as bandhs. Sixteen bandhs covering over 140 acres have been brought under fish farming with the active participation of 48 women Self-Help Groups (SHGs). To support the effort, ICAR-CIFRI provided 1,600 kg of quality fish seed and 22 tonnes of CIFRI cage grow feed. Beneficiaries were also trained in pond management, feeding, and water quality maintenance to ensure sustainable fish production and income generation. Additionally, four FRP boats were distributed under the STC programme.
To strengthen the initiative and promote Atmanirbharata among tribal women, two awareness camps were organised at Puncha and Govindopur Primary School in collaboration with the local NGO “May I Help.” Dignitaries present included Sandhyarani Tudu, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Paschimanchal Unnayan Affairs, Government of West Bengal, and Dr. B.K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, along with senior officials and scientists. The Minister appreciated ICAR-CIFRI’s efforts for the welfare of Purulia’s tribal communities.
A key outcome of the programme was the decision to supply 50% of the fish harvested by SHGs to local schools under the mid-day meal scheme, thereby improving nutritional intake among tribal children.
Additionally, ICAR-CIFRI distributed FRP tanks and ornamental fish kits, comprising aerators, feed, and livebearer fishes, to tribal women in Govindapur to promote backyard aquaculture. This intervention aims to generate supplementary income and strengthen women’s economic independence while fostering rural socio-economic development.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. B.K. Das emphasized that empowering women through fisheries not only enhances livelihoods but also contributes to holistic community development. The initiative has directly benefited around 511 economically marginalized tribal families, marking a significant stride toward sustainable and inclusive rural transformation in Purulia.
