The Indian Sundarbans, prone to cyclones and tidal surges, depends heavily on fisheries for livelihoods. Over the past decade, ICAR–CIFRI has strengthened regional resilience through SCSP and TSP interventions, motivating over 5,500 fishers since 2013 to adopt small-scale inland fisheries in rainfed homestead waterbodies as sustainable livelihood alternatives.
In this context, ICAR-CIFRI organised Mahila Matsyajibi Diwas 2.0 on December 26, 2025, at Kultali, Basanti, Sundarbans, in collaboration with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, NAAS Regional Chapter, Kolkata, and Kultali Milon Tirtha Society. The programme witnessed the participation of around 4,000 women fishers and aimed to recognise and strengthen the contribution of women to inland fisheries and aquaculture. Five successful women fishers were felicitated on this occasion.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, as Chief Guest. Shri R.Arunkumar, Senior Executive(Tech), NFDB, Hyderabad graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jena stated, “The dedication of women fishers reflects how deeply fisheries are embedded in the socio-economic landscape of the Sundarbans. ICAR remains committed to ensuring that scientific innovations reach grassroots communities to support resilient and sustainable development.”
Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr. B.K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted CIFRI’s decade-long interventions in backyard pond culture, canal fisheries and ornamental fish production across Gosaba, Hingalgunj, Namkhana, Kakdwip and Kultali. He remarked, “Our approach is to empower women fishers through scientific solutions that are locally relevant, climate-resilient and economically viable.”
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 facilitated direct knowledge exchange between scientists and women fishers, and five successful women fishers were felicitated.
One of the major highlights of the event was On field demonstration of Cargo Drone, showcasing its potential applications in fisheries management. CIFRI scientists explained disease management in inland fisheries and ways to enhance income through scientific aquaculture practices.
The programme underscored gender-inclusive fisheries development, highlighting women’s leadership in advancing sustainable livelihoods, nutrition, and ecological conservation, while fostering community and solidarity among women fishers. To commemorate the occasion, CIFRI has released six pamphlets in Bengali.
