Kolkata, August 29, 2025

For more than a decade, the ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) has been leading a transformative initiative in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, to enhance rural livelihoods through backyard pond fish culture. Traditionally used as household water sources, these rain-fed ponds are now being harnessed for aquaculture, creating sustainable avenues for nutrition and income. By empowering local communities, especially women, CIFRI has turned these small water bodies into engines of economic resilience and food security.

On August 28–29, 2025, ICAR-CIFRI, in collaboration with Joygopalpur Gram Vikash Kendra, the institution organised a mass awareness programme under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) in Basanti Block, Sundarban. The event reached 300 Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries across twelve villages. To initiate fish farming, each household, owning ponds between 0.02–0.04 hectares, received 6 kilograms of Indian Major Carp seed and 80 kilograms of fish feed. In addition, 50 ornamental fish units were distributed to schools, ornamental fish units in schools serve as educational models, livelihood demonstrations, and awareness platforms—helping inculcate scientific interest in children while spreading fisheries knowledge to society. Shri Mithun Biswas, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Canning graced the occasion and praised this initiative.

The programme was graced by insightful addresses. Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted the long-term benefits of inland open water fisheries and backyard pond culture, stressing how scientific aquaculture could uplift rural communities and strengthen nutritional security. Shri Biswajit Mahakur, Secretary of the NGO partner, commended the focus on empowering women through hands-on demonstrations, noting the potential of household ponds to become productive assets.

Beneficiaries’ voices reflected the immediate impact. Smt Parbati Purkait of Joygopalpur shared her gratitude: “I never imagined our small pond could become a source of income.” Another participant,

ICAR-CIFRI Scientists educated villagers on modern fish farming techniques. Sessions on pond management, feed optimisation, and fish health bridged the gap between traditional practices and scientific knowledge.

ICAR-CIFRI’s backyard pond fish culture model demonstrates how small-scale, research-driven interventions can catalyse large-scale transformation. By blending science with community participation, the initiative is not only raising household incomes but also fostering a resilient rural economy.

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SSS/29.8.25/……

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