Women nurtured transformative aquaculture in rural Bengal

Aquaculture has traditionally been a male-dominated activity. Changes in rural dynamics, with men migrating to cities for better opportunities, have led women to take up aquaculture in Bengal. Collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras and local R&D institutions have provided them with training in ecological aquaculture, focusing on resource utilisation. Women engage in agro-ecological farming, utilising local inputs and traditional knowledge.

The cooperative approach has enabled women to systematise production processes at a low cost, overcoming challenges and reviving local production. By forming self-help groups women have access to unconventional water resources and utilise mobile communication tools to strengthen the fish production system.

The article discusses the broader role of women in diverse domains of aquaculture, including fish culture, hatchery management, nutrition, and fish processing technology, showcasing their resilience, capability, and contributions to the success of aquaculture.

1709010950_women-nurtured-transformative-aquaculture.pdf

Publisher: Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific

Rights: Creative Commons Attribution.

Related

Aquaculture Asia Magazine, January-March 2024

In this issue:

  • Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (chocolate mahseer): A flagship species for diversification of hill aquaculture in Northeast India
  • Aquarium fish culture in open village ponds in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
  • Women nurtured transformative aquaculture in rural Bengal
  • Breeding and seed production technology of striped spiny eel Macrognathus pancalus to benefit fish farmers
  • Grow-out culture of the loach Lepidocephalichthys thermalis in modified tanks
  • NACA Newsletter