BS News Agency/PIB: Recognizing the invaluable contribution of rural women in agriculture, fisheries and wetland-based livelihoods, in line with the International Rural Women's Day, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, celebrated Women's Day at Bartir Beel in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal today. The event focused on the potential of sustainable fisheries and responsible eco-aqua tourism for women's empowerment, gender equality and creation of new livelihood opportunities.
Locally known as 'Bangla Dal Lake', Bartir Beel is a seasonal floodplain wetland, rich in aquatic biodiversity. Besides playing an important role as a habitat for native fish, snails, crabs and various bird species, the wetland also supports seasonal agriculture after the flood waters recede. Its rich ecosystem and livelihood potential make the area a potential location for integrating sustainable fisheries, wetland conservation and community-based tourism.
30 women farmers and rural resource users participated in the event. Their significant contribution to agriculture, fisheries and local economic activities was recognized. Women play a vital role in onion cultivation during the Rabi season. They participate in seedbed management, weeding, harvesting, sorting and marketing. In addition, they contribute to various stages of jute processing - such as ginning, washing, sorting and drying. They also participate in wetland-based livelihoods and local trade.
Despite their significant contribution, women’s participation in emerging livelihood opportunities, especially in eco-aqua tourism, is often limited due to social barriers and restrictions. The discussion emphasized the need for specific initiatives to enhance their skills, access to scientific knowledge and advanced technologies, institutional support and ensuring greater representation of women in planning and decision-making processes at the community level.
Dr. B. K. Behere, Chief Executive Officer, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), was the chief guest at the event. He emphasized the important role of rural women in fish farming, aquaculture and livelihood development. Emphasizing the principle of “empowerment of women means empowerment of the entire human race”, he said that women empowerment is very important for increasing fish production, ensuring nutritional security in the household and overall well-being of the rural people.
Dr. Pradeep Dey outlined the plan to make Barti's bill a model for women-led, science-based and environmentally sustainable rural development. He stressed on recognizing rural women as important stakeholders, knowledge assets and entrepreneurs. He emphasized on integrating scientific fisheries management, biodiversity conservation, value addition and eco-aqua tourism to diversify livelihoods, strengthen nutritional security and create decent employment opportunities for women and rural youth. Dr. Dey, in his speech, mentioned that combining modern science with traditional ecological knowledge, coordinated initiatives across institutions and participation of local communities can help in conserving wetland ecosystems for future generations, as well as contributing to inclusive economic growth.
Dr. S. Samanta, Head, FRAI Division, ICAR-CIFRI, Dr. Aparna Roy and Senior Scientist Dr. Gunjan interacted with women farmers from Karnataka. They encouraged women’s participation in livelihood development initiatives and stressed the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific methods in fisheries extension and wetland management.
One of the main attractions of the event was the Mahila Kisan Samman. Two women fishermen, Smt. Jayanti Dutta and Smt. Dulali Roy, were felicitated for their valuable contribution to the development of agriculture, fisheries and rural livelihoods.
The event highlighted the potential of Barti Beel as an ideal model for women-led and community-based development in harmonizing fisheries-based livelihoods, biodiversity conservation and responsible tourism.
The organization certainly supports the scientific management of fisheries-based fisheries, their ecosystems and livelihood opportunities through research and management processes, so that sustainable and local community-based initiatives can be taken in a well-planned manner.
This celebration reflects the organization's commitment to inclusive rural development, which combines scientific initiatives, advanced technology adoption and diverse livelihood opportunities to empower women. This initiative also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 2 (No Hunger) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). It also advances the goal of building resilient wetlands and disaster-resilient rural communities.