ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) has launched Mission Navshakti 2.0, an initiative under its Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) project, to empower rural women through ornamental fish culture and aquarium fabrication. This transformative project is creating entrepreneurial opportunities for Scheduled Caste (SC) women in Barabanki, Sitapur, and Unnao districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Mission Navshakti 2.0 began as a pilot project in Dhankutti village, Barabanki, in February 2024. Encouraged by its success, the initiative expanded to KVK Katia in Sitapur and KVK Unnao. An interactive session held on January 10, 2025, in Unnao brought together local women to discuss challenges and aspirations, followed by hands-on training in aquarium fabrication and fish farming on January 16-17. Women from Dhankutti shared inspiring success stories, showcasing how backyard ornamental fish farming has become a source of economic independence and community pride.
The project’s innovative hub-and-spoke model, supported by partners like Aquaworld and Hi-Tech Fish Farming, localizes production and reduces reliance on external markets. Participants received startup kits, including solar lights and aquarium accessories, to kickstart their entrepreneurial ventures. This grassroots initiative has already trained 325 women, fostering leadership, resilience, and economic independence in rural communities.
In Unnao, 51 women from 13 self-help groups (SHGs) across eight villages, including Dohra, Chiraiya, and Mithepur, have participated in the program. SHGs such as Nari Shakti and Jai Ambe are becoming vibrant centers of entrepreneurial activity, promoting local development and strengthening community bonds.
Director of ICAR-NBFGR, Dr. U.K. Sarkar, highlighted the transformative power of grassroots interventions. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques, Mission Navshakti 2.0 is not just creating income opportunities but also fostering social empowerment.
