Mahila Matsyajibi Diwas Celebrated in Sundarbans to Empower Women Fishers

ICAR-CIFRI (Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute) celebrated the first-ever Mahila Matsyajibi Diwas in Kultali, Basanti, in the Sundarbans region, in collaboration with several key partners including the National Fisheries Development Board (Hyderabad), the NAAS Regional Chapter (Kolkata), and the Kultali Milon Tirtha Society. The event, held on December 26, aimed to honor and recognize the vital contributions of women in fisheries and aquaculture in the region, as well as to increase their participation in the sector and address the social and economic challenges they face.

The Sundarbans, a vast coastal region in India, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including tropical cyclones and tidal surges. A significant portion of its rural population relies on fisheries and allied activities for their livelihood. Over the past decade, ICAR-CIFRI has been at the forefront of supporting these communities, particularly women, by providing technological inputs and enhancing sustainable livelihoods through small-scale inland fisheries.

Dr. Pradip Dey, Director of ATARI, was the Chief Guest at the event and highlighted the crucial role of women in small-scale aquaculture. He emphasized that women’s participation in fisheries not only bolstered livelihood opportunities but also contributed significantly to improving nutritional security for families and communities in the Sundarbans. Dr. Dey expressed his admiration for the women fishers' resilience in the face of adversity and their pivotal role in sustaining the region's rural economy.

Dr. B.K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, elaborated on the institute’s efforts to empower women fishers in the Sundarbans, particularly through its SCSP/TSP development programs. Since 2013, ICAR-CIFRI has motivated over 5,000 women fishers to take up small-scale inland fish farming in rainfed homestead waterbodies, offering an alternative and sustainable source of livelihood. Dr. Das announced that Mahila Matsyajibi Diwas would be celebrated annually to honor the critical contributions of women in the fisheries sector and to ensure continued support for their empowerment and resilience.

The event also featured a demonstration on drone applications in the fisheries sector, showcasing how technology can support sustainable aquaculture practices. The use of drones in fisheries, especially for monitoring water quality and fish stocks, was highlighted as a game-changer for improving productivity and sustainability in the region.

As part of the celebrations, fisheries inputs were distributed to 500 women beneficiaries from the Scheduled Caste community, helping to enhance their livelihoods. The event saw the participation of around 5,000 women fishers, fostering a sense of solidarity and community among the attendees.

Sri Subrata Hazra, AGM of the State Bank of India (SBI), also addressed the gathering, announcing the launch of the CIFRI-SBZI Collaborative Model Village Development Project in the Sundarbans. This project aims to further strengthen the livelihoods of the region's women fishers by providing financial and technical support.

The event was not only an acknowledgment of women’s contribution to the fisheries sector but also a platform for providing essential resources, fostering community solidarity, and emphasizing the importance of empowering women for the sustainable development of the Sundarbans.