Farmers and Experts Collaborate to Address Fisheries Challenges in Sagar Island Under VKSA 2025.

In a landmark stride toward rural empowerment and sustainable agriculture, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), in collaboration with the Sagar – Krishnanagar Swami Vivekananda Youth Cultural Society and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Nimpith, spearheaded a series of transformative initiatives on 07 June, 2025 under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025) across Sagar Island in West Bengal.

Spanning across 23 villages, four major interactive programmes were held in Rudranagar, Krishnanagar, Kamalpur, and Govindapur, drawing the enthusiastic participation of over 3000 farmers and fishers. The campaign, a part of the national mission to promote scientific awareness and sustainable rural practices, served as a vibrant platform for grassroots engagement and expert intervention.

At the heart of the event was a powerful synergy between scientific innovation and community wisdom. Led by Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, and Dr. B.K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, along with several senior scientists, the team conducted field visits and participated in direct dialogues with farmers. The conversations focused on productivity enhancement, disease control, water quality, feed optimization, and the growing threats posed by climate change.

A standout component of the initiative was the session on climate-resilient aquaculture and agriculture, tailored to address the unique challenges of the Sundarbans—a fragile yet resilient deltaic ecosystem increasingly vulnerable to environmental stressors. Experts discussed innovative strategies such as adaptive inland fisheries, seasonal planning, and integrated resource management that empower local communities to withstand climate shocks. “We are here not just to share knowledge, but to listen and learn from the fishers. Their insights are vital to shaping practical, community-based innovations,” remarked Dr. Jena, reflecting the campaign’s participatory ethos.

The interactive sessions encouraged fishers to voice their concerns and share indigenous knowledge systems, enriching the scientific discourse with lived realities. This two-way communication reinforced trust and laid the foundation for collaborative problem-solving tailored to local needs. The programme was further honoured by the presence of Shri Bankim Chandra Hazra, Minister-in-Charge of Sundarbans Affairs, Government of West Bengal, whose support highlighted the state’s commitment to sustainable development in its vulnerable coastal zones.

Complementing the dialogue were actionable takeaways. Farmers received pamphlets on scientific fisheries management, leaflets detailing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and pre-kharif advisories, equipping them with practical tools to improve both productivity and sustainability. As the programme culminated, participants took a collective pledge to adopt sustainable and climate-resilient practices, symbolizing a unified commitment to ecological stewardship and long-term livelihood security.

This VKSA-2025 initiative in the Sundarbans — including earlier outreach in Kultoli and Joy Gopalpur (Basanti) — signals a robust, multi-tiered strategy to nurture self-reliant, climate-aware farming communities. By integrating scientific expertise with community participation, ICAR-CIFRI’s efforts are paving the way for a greener, more secure future in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions.

Team Maverick