ICAR-CIFRI Strengthens Livelihoods of SC Fish Farmers at Sagar Island

Dec 2025 : The ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, continues to play a vital role in strengthening livelihoods and ensuring nutritional security for rural communities in the Sundarbans through science-led fisheries interventions.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the welfare of Scheduled Caste (SC) fish farmers, ICAR-CIFRI organised a fisheries input distribution and mass awareness programme on December 29, 2025, at Rudranagar, Sagar Island, under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP).

The programme was graced by Shri Bankim Chandra Hazra, Hon’ble Minister of Sundarban Affairs, Government of West Bengal, who lauded ICAR-CIFRI’s sustained efforts in livelihood development of island fishers, particularly highlighting its role in women’s empowerment. He remarked, “The consistent efforts of ICAR-CIFRI in capacity building and input support have empowered fish farmers of Sagar Island to adopt science-based practices with confidence and resilience.”

Addressing the beneficiaries, Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, emphasized the importance of adopting scientific fish farming practices for enhancing income and nutrition. He stated, “ICAR–CIFRI remains committed to strengthening inland fisheries through science-led interventions that support sustainable livelihoods and nutritional security.”

Under the programme, 300 SC fish farmers from different Gram Panchayats of the Sagar Community Development Block were benefited. Each beneficiary received 6 kg of Indian Major Carp (IMC) fingerlings and 80 kg of fish feed for backyard pond fish culture demonstrations. The initiative targets households owning small ponds ranging from 0.02 to 0.04 hectares, enabling supplementary income generation and improved family nutrition without affecting household responsibilities.

Till date, ICAR-CIFRI has supported over 4,200 SC and ST beneficiaries, including women, through initiatives such as backyard pond fish farming, canal fisheries development, ornamental fish culture, carp hatchery establishment, training programmes, and post-disaster support during cyclones and floods.

CIFRI scientists Dr. P. K. Parida and Mr. Pranab Gogoi engaged with fish farmers and addressed their queries during the awareness programme held today.Such initiatives underline ICAR-CIFRI’s dedication to inclusive, sustainable, and community-oriented fisheries development in the Sundarban islands

Team Maverick.