The ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) has been working to promote fish culture in backyard ponds across South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, for the past 12 years. The initiative is focused on enhancing livelihoods and ensuring nutritional security by boosting fish production through small-scale inland fisheries in private, rain-fed ponds used by rural households for drinking water and fish farming.
In collaboration with Sasya Shyamala Krishi Vigyan Kendra (SSKVK), Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Narendrapur, ICAR-CIFRI organized a mass awareness program on February 25, 2025, aimed at empowering rural women. The program, part of the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP), distributed fisheries inputs to 100 SC women from four Gram Panchayats (GPs) of Sonarpur Block. These beneficiaries, with pond sizes ranging from 0.02 ha to 0.04 ha, received 6 kg of fish seed and 80 kg of fish feed each to demonstrate backyard pond fish culture.
Swami Shivapriyananda Ji Maharaj, Vice-Chairman of SSKVK, addressed the gathering, commending ICAR-CIFRI for its initiative in empowering rural women and improving their livelihoods through the demonstration of various fisheries technologies. Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, provided valuable insights on inland open water fisheries technology, stressing the importance of backyard pond fish culture for local economic growth and nutritional security.
This initiative, which has been actively encouraging fishermen to adopt small-scale inland fisheries in their backyard water bodies, is a key strategy for strengthening the rural economy. By increasing fish production, the program not only boosts household incomes but also ensures a steady supply of protein-rich fish for the local population.
In addition to the awareness program, ICAR-CIFRI received the Best Exhibition Stall Award at the Krishi Mela held in Sonarpur from February 24-25, 2025. The institute’s stall, which attracted over 2,500 visitors, showcased its pioneering technologies and achievements, engaging fish farmers, students, and entrepreneurs.
With these efforts, ICAR-CIFRI continues to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable fish farming practices, supporting rural communities, and contributing to overall economic development in the region.
