Umiam, July 31: The ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) on Friday distributed coracles to 25 tribal women fisher families at Umiam Reservoir as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening fisheries-based livelihoods and empowering women in the sector.
The Coracle Distribution Programme was organised by the ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati, in collaboration with the Ri-Bhoi Farmers’ Union (RFU), Meghalaya, and the Department of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya, under ICAR-CIFRI’s NEH and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) Programme.
The beneficiaries are women fisher families engaged in cage culture and fishing activities in Umiam Reservoir. According to the institute, the coracles will help improve their access to fishing and cage culture operations while encouraging greater participation of women in fisheries-based livelihood activities.
The programme was conducted under the overall guidance of the Director of ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore; the Director of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya; and Dr. S. K. Majhi, Head of the ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati. It was coordinated by Senior Scientists Dr. Pronob Das and Dr. S. C. S. Das, along with Technical Officer A. Kakati.
Addressing the gathering, Ri-Bhoi Farmers’ Union President D. Majaw highlighted the continuing collaboration between ICAR-CIFRI and the RFU for improving the welfare and livelihoods of local fishers.
He also appreciated the scientific and technical support provided by ICAR-CIFRI to enhance fish production and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities dependent on Umiam Reservoir.
Dr. Pronob Das informed the participants about ICAR-CIFRI’s initiatives in the reservoir, including cage culture, culture-based fisheries, aqua-tourism and biodiversity conservation through a participatory approach involving riparian communities.
He also highlighted efforts being made to increase the participation of women in fisheries and allied activities.
A. Kakati explained the benefits of coracles and briefed beneficiaries on standard operating procedures for their safe and effective use. He stressed the importance of following safety measures while undertaking fishing and cage culture activities in the reservoir.
Speaking on behalf of the women fisher group, Banri L. Nongbri thanked ICAR-CIFRI for its continued support towards improving the welfare and livelihoods of women fishers in the region.
ICAR-CIFRI said the initiative is expected to promote women-led fisheries livelihoods, strengthen community participation and contribute towards sustainable fisheries development at Umiam Reservoir.
