ICAR-CIFRI Initiative Empowers Tribals of Purulia Through Inland Fisheries for Livelihood Security
27 October 2025, Barrackpore: Purulia, located on the Chotanagpur plateau in the western part of West Bengal, is home to a large tribal population comprising about 18.45% of the district’s residents. Despite its rich cultural heritage, the region continues to face serious socio-economic challenges, with tribal women remaining among the most marginalized. Issues such as poverty, gender inequality, early marriage, and limited access to education and healthcare hinder their empowerment. Addressing these challenges aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) — achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
In this context, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, has launched a transformative initiative under its Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) to uplift tribal women in Purulia through aquaculture-based livelihoods. The programme, implemented across Puncha, Manbazar, and adjoining blocks, focuses on promoting community-managed fish farming to enhance livelihood opportunities and nutritional security in the drought-prone region.
ICAR-CIFRI introduced scientific fish culture in locally available rainfed water bodies known as bandhs. Sixteen bandhs, covering over 140 acres, were brought under fish farming with the participation of 48 women Self Help Groups (SHGs). To support the initiative, ICAR-CIFRI provided 1,600 kg of quality fish seed and 22 tons of CIFRI cage grow feed. The beneficiaries received hands-on training on pond management, feeding, and water quality maintenance to ensure sustainable fish production and income generation.In addition to these four FRP boats also distributed under STC program.
To strengthen the initiative and promote Atmanirbharata among tribal women, two awareness camps were held at Puncha and Govindopur Primary School in collaboration with local NGO “May I Help”. Dignitaries present included Ms. Sandhyarani Tudu, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Paschimanchal Unnayan Affairs, Government of West Bengal and Dr. B.K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, along with senior officials and ICAR-CIFRI scientists.Hon’ble Minister appreciated the effort taken by CIFRI for the tribal populace of Purulia.
A noteworthy outcome of the programme was the decision that 50% of the fish harvested by SHGs would be supplied to local schools under the mid-day meal programme, ensuring improved nutrition for tribal children.
Additionally, ICAR-CIFRI distributed FRP tanks and ornamental fish kits—comprising aerators, feed, and livebearer fishes—to tribal women in Govindapur to promote backyard aquaculture. This intervention aims to provide supplementary income and foster women’s empowerment while contributing to rural socio-economic growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. B.K. Das emphasized that empowering women through fisheries would not only enhance livelihoods but also promote holistic community development. The initiative is directly benefitted around 511 economically marginalized tribal families, marking a significant step toward sustainable and inclusive rural transformation in Purulia.
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