ICAR-CIFRI’s SBI-Funded CSR Initiative Triples Fish Production and Transforms Rural Livelihoods in the Sundarbans

Basanti, South 24 Parganas, August 2026 : Demonstrating the transformative power of science-led aquaculture, a SBI-funded Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative implemented by the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, has successfully converted underutilized backyard ponds into sustainable livelihood assets in the ecologically fragile Sundarbans. The project, implemented at Haldarpara village under Uttar Mokamberia Gram Panchayat in Basanti Block, has emerged as a scalable model of climate-resilient aquaculture, significantly enhancing fish production, household income, nutritional security and women’s participation in rural livelihoods.

The achievements of the project were showcased during a Training-cum-Concluding Workshop, attended by representatives from the State Bank of India (SBI), the Department of Fisheries, Government of West Bengal, ICAR-CIFRI scientists, beneficiary farmers, women participants and other stakeholders.

The initiative delivered remarkable socio-economic outcomes. Average annual fish production increased from 428.2 kg to 1,240.5 kg per acre, recording nearly a 190 per cent increase through the adoption of scientific pond management and improved aquaculture practices. Annual household income from fish farming also rose substantially, from ₹13,900 to ₹39,000, strengthening the economic resilience of participating families.

Besides higher incomes, the project improved household nutritional security by increasing the availability and consumption of fresh fish. Scientific management enabled the productive utilization of previously underused backyard ponds while promoting environmentally sustainable aquaculture suited to the unique ecosystem of the Indian Sundarbans.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, said the programme reflects ICAR-CIFRI’s commitment to translating scientific research into tangible benefits through strong institutional partnerships and CSR support. He highlighted the Haldarpara model as a scalable example of scientific backyard pond aquaculture that enhances farmers’ income, nutritional security and climate resilience in ecologically vulnerable regions. He added that the collaboration among SBI, ICAR-CIFRI, the Department of Fisheries and local communities demonstrates how science, partnerships and community participation can strengthen resilient fisheries-based livelihoods, empower rural women and advance sustainable rural development, the Blue Economy and climate-resilient growth.

Shri Sushil Kumar Gupta, Regional Manager, SBI, Baruipur, remarked that ICAR-CIFRI has set an exemplary model by transforming underutilized water resources into sustainable livelihood opportunities through scientific aquaculture practices, while promoting community-driven development, ecological sustainability, and socio-economic prosperity in environmentally fragile regions.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. R. K. Manna, Head, Riverine and Wetland Fisheries Division, highlighted the vast potential of scientific backyard pond aquaculture in enhancing fish production and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in vulnerable coastal ecosystems.

Presenting the achievements, Dr. Aparna Roy, Principal Investigator, explained how scientific interventions, regular capacity building and continuous technical support transformed traditional backyard ponds into productive aquaculture units. She emphasized that the collaborative efforts of ICAR-CIFRI, SBI, the Department of Fisheries, local institutions and beneficiary farmers have established a successful and replicable model for rural development.

An interactive session with beneficiary farmers reflected the programme’s grassroots impact, with participants sharing how scientific aquaculture practices had improved pond productivity, increased household earnings and strengthened their confidence in fish farming. Significantly, women constituted nearly half of the active beneficiaries, underscoring the initiative’s contribution to women’s empowerment and inclusive rural development.

During the concluding programme, 100 beneficiary farmers were provided with essential aquaculture inputs, including cast nets, pH meters and lime, to facilitate the continued adoption of improved fish farming practices and sustain the gains achieved under the project.

The SBI-supported initiative stands out as a successful example of how scientific innovation, corporate social responsibility and community participation can transform backyard ponds into engines of rural prosperity. The Haldarpara model offers a practical blueprint for enhancing livelihoods, nutritional security and climate resilience across the Sundarbans and other vulnerable rural landscapes.