In a meaningful stride toward empowering marginalized communities in the Sundarbans and sustainable fisheries livelihood, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, organized an input distribution and awareness program on 17 August 2025 at Kultoli, Sundarbans, West Bengal. The awareness program was conducted under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP), the initiative aimed to promote backyard pond culture as a sustainable livelihood option for Scheduled Caste especially for women in the region. The program was held in collaboration with Kultali Milan Tirtha Society (KMTS), a local NGO committed to grassroots development.

A total of 500 beneficiaries participated in the programme and ICAR-CIFRI distributed 6 kg of quality fish fingerlings (Indian Major carps) and 120 kg of fish feed to each fisherwoman, enabling them to begin fish farming in their household ponds. Experts from ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore conducted a session on pond management equipping the beneficiaries with essential skills for successful pisciculture. The 500 women beneficiaries were from 105 villages covering five blocks (Bansanti, Gosaba, Canning-I and Canning -II, Sandesh khali) of Sundarbans.

Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, addressed the gathering and emphasized the transformative potential of backyard aquaculture. “Our goal is not just to distribute inputs but to build capacity and confidence among beneficiaries. Backyard pond culture can transform household ponds into productive assets, ensuring nutritional security and income generation” – as mentioned by him. The Sundarbans, known for its ecological fragility and limited livelihood options, especially for women, stands to benefit immensely from such low-cost, high-impact interventions.

Dr. Vibha Tandon, Director, IICB praised the initiative taken by ICAR-CIFRI for awareness and promoting backward pond aquaculture for the women empowerment through scientific intervention. She also appreciated the KMTS collaboration with ICAR-CIFRI in this noble initiative. She emphasized that, women fisher should gather scientific knowledge for the better fish production.

Lokman Molla, President of Kultali Milan Tirtha Society, lauded the initiative, calling it “a ray of hope for many women who have never imagined their small ponds could become a source of income. It’s a step toward self-reliance.” The enthusiasm among the beneficiaries was palpable. Rina Mondal, a beneficiary from Jharkhali, shared, “I always saw the pond behind my house as just a water body. Now I see it as a means to support my children’s education and improve our diet”. Another beneficiary, Purnima Mondal from Gosaba, added, “With CIFRI’s support, I feel confident to manage fish farming. I hope to expand it and even inspire other women in my village.”

Dr. Pranaya Parida and Pranab Gogoi scientist of ICAR-CIFRI addressed the gathering and informed about scientific fish farming.

The initiative also focused on raising awareness among village women on sustainable fishing methods and conservation of small indigenous fish species and culture. ICAR-CIFRI’s initiative under the SCSP programme exemplifies science-led social transformation, fostering economic resilience and empowering women in one of India’s most vulnerable regions, Sundarbans.