Empowering Sundarbans: Over 2,400 Farmers Unite Under VKSA-2025 for Sustainable Fisheries and Agriculture.

In a remarkable stride toward rural empowerment and sustainable development, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), in collaboration with Sasya Shyamala Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sonarpur, and Kultoli Milan Tirtha Society, organised a series of impactful events under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025) across the Sundarbans region on June 5, 2025.

Held at Kultoli, the flagship event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 2,380 farmers across the deltaic landscape, uniting under the national banner of VKSA – 2025—an initiative dedicated to empowering rural communities through sustainable practices, scientific knowledge-sharing, and farmer-first policies. Each and every 1380 farmers were provided 05 numbers of New Banana Plants.

Finally, a 05 kilometres walkathon was organised along Basanti to foster the ‘sense of belonging’ amongst the local farmers.

A Day of Knowledge and Community Engagement –

The program featured intensive technical sessions focused on Kharif season planning, soil health management, and inland fisheries development — topics those which are quinossential to the livelihoods of Sundarbans’ farming communities. A key highlight was the emphasis on the importance of regular soil testing, which culminated in the distribution of 70 Soil Health Cards to local farmers, promoting data-driven and efficient land-use management.

Special attention was given to inland fisheries management and climate-resilient agricultural practices, addressing the Sundarbans’ unique ecological challenges. Experts guided participants on scientific feed management, disease surveillance, and adaptive aquaculture models tailored to the region’s fragile ecosystem.

Dignitaries and Expert Insights –

The event was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Swami Shivapurnananda Maharaj, Administrative Head, KVK Narendrapur; Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR; Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, and Dr. Pradip Dey, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, among others.

Dr. Jena underscored the importance of co-creation and local wisdom, stating, “We are not here just to teach, but to learn. The lived experiences of our fishers are vital for shaping solutions that are practical, inclusive, and truly effective”.

Echoing the sentiment, Dr. B. K. Das remarked, “Our focus is on empowering fish farmers through science that is accessible, adaptable, and rooted in the realities of the Sundarbans”.

Bridging Science and Community –

During a village visit to Haldarpara, 100 selected farmers took part in live demonstrations and participatory discussions on integrated fish farming, soil-water interface techniques, and real-time problem-solving. These sessions created a rare platform for direct engagement between local fishers and senior scientists, fostering mutual learning and trust.

Additionally, the distribution of PMMSY scheme pamphlets, fisheries management guides, and pre-Kharif advisories ensured that farmers returned with not just inspiration, but actionable resources.

Toward a Resilient Future –

As the Sundarbans continue to face challenges from climate change and ecological vulnerability, initiatives like VKSA-2025 signal a hopeful path forward — where science, sustainability, and community collaboration converge to create resilient rural livelihoods.

Team Maverick