From Struggling to Thriving: Scientific Fisheries Programme by ICAR-CIRFI Brings New Hope to Tribal Fishers of Odisha’s Rishia Reservoir

For generations of marginal and tribal fishers around Rishia Reservoir in Odisha’s Balasore district, fishing was a livelihood marked by uncertain harvests and fragile incomes. Today, a quiet transformation is underway — reflected not just in increased fish catches, but in stronger household economies, new assets, and brighter hopes for the future.

Under the ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI)–WorldFish Collaborative Programme (Window-3), a Stakeholders’ Meet and Awareness Building Programme was organized at Rishia Reservoir in Balasore district to evaluate the impact of scientific fisheries interventions implemented over the last two years.

During interactions with scientists and project personnel, one tribal fisher, Mr. Ganeswar Naik  shared an emotional testimony of change. He explained that, for the first time in his life, his family’s earnings had reached an unprecedented level due to improved fish production and better market returns under the programme. The increased income recently enabled him to purchase a motorcycle for his family — something he once considered beyond his means. For him, the motorcycle represented more than a vehicle; it symbolized dignity, mobility, and a future filled with greater possibilities.

The field assessment conducted by teams from ICAR-CIFRI and WorldFish revealed that such stories are no longer isolated. Household incomes among participating fishers have reportedly increased by 43–59% during the current year compared to the pre-intervention period.

Appreciating the encouraging outcomes, Dr. Pradip Dey congratulated Dr. R. K. Manna and the entire project team for their dedicated efforts towards improving the livelihood security of economically weaker fisher communities. He also acknowledged the continuous guidance and field support of Dr. Padiyar, whose contributions were instrumental from the conceptualization of the interventions to their successful implementation.

Dr. Dey emphasized that such science-led, community-centric fisheries interventions are vital for sustainable inland fisheries development, livelihood enhancement, and tribal empowerment in remote regions. He noted that the initiative reflects the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by advancing inclusive growth, rural prosperity, and sustainable resource use, while strengthening the Blue Economy through inland fisheries–based livelihood opportunities. He further stressed the need for evidence-based policies, institutional convergence, and scaling of community-driven fisheries models to enhance livelihood security among vulnerable fishing communities across the country.

The programme’s success is rooted in a suite of science-based interventions, including scientific fish stocking, community-based fisheries management, awareness generation, and promotion of sustainable fishing practices. Encouragingly, the reservoir communities are also exploring eco-tourism and reservoir-based tourism activities, creating additional seasonal income streams for local families.

 (Source: ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore)