The ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, organised the Mahila Matsyajibi Sammelan 3.0 at Kultali in the Sundarbans to mark World Fisheries Day, celebrating the indispensable role of women fishers in inland fisheries and rural livelihoods. The programme was held in collaboration with the Kultali Milantirth Society and drew an impressive gathering of over 4,500 participants, including ICAR officials, scientists, scholars and community leaders.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, and Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agriculture Extension), ICAR, as Chief Guest and Distinguished Guest respectively. Applauding the active participation of women fishers, Dr. Jena highlighted their deep connection with the fisheries-based economy of the Sundarbans and reiterated ICAR’s commitment to ensuring that scientific advancements reach grassroots communities. He assured that ICAR institutes and KVKs would provide continued support for technology dissemination in the region.

Dr. Rajbir Singh stressed the growing opportunities for women in the blue economy, particularly in fish farming, processing, and marketing, which are helping diversify livelihoods in the ecologically fragile delta.

Welcoming dignitaries, Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, reflected on the institute’s decade-long interventions across Gosaba, Hingalgunj, Namkhana, Kakdwip, and Kultali. He noted that CIFRI’s work on backyard pond culture, canal fisheries, and ornamental fish production has significantly boosted incomes while empowering women through accessible and adaptable scientific practices.

A key highlight of the event was the distribution of fish fingerlings and ICAR-CIFRI CageGrow feed to 600 SC/ST women fish-farmers with backyard ponds measuring 0.02–0.04 ha. Beneficiaries were selected from 38 hamlets under 17 Gram Panchayats across Gosaba and Basanti blocks. Prior to the distribution, CIFRI scientists conducted field visits to every pond, offering customised technical guidance aimed at enhancing fish productivity and improving income generation.

Since 2013, ICAR-CIFRI has encouraged more than 5,500 fishers to adopt small-scale inland and ornamental fisheries under SCSP/TSP programmes, strengthening livelihood resilience in cyclone-prone Sundarbans.

The Sammelan marked an important milestone in advancing women’s empowerment, sustainable aquaculture, and community resilience, aligning with the national vision of **Viksit Bharat@2047** for inclusive and sustainable development.