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ICAR-CIFRI Empowers Tribal Women-Led Blue Economy through Sustainable Fisheries Interventions at Umiam Reservoir

31 ^st July, 2026
Umiam, Meghalaya
Reinforcing its commitment to women-led fisheries and sustainable livelihood development, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) has distributed cage nets and coracles to 25 tribal women fisher families at Umiam Reservoir, Meghalaya, under its North Eastern Hills (NEH) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) Programme. Umiam Reservoir, one of Northeast India's most significant inland fishery resources, sustains the livelihoods of numerous tribal fishing communities. ICAR-CIFRI is transforming fisheries in the reservoir through science-driven interventions, including cage aquaculture, culture-based fisheries, fish stock enhancement, capacity building, and scientific resource management, resulting in improved fish production, enhanced livelihood security, and greater participation of women in fisheries enterprises. The distribution programmes, conducted on July 28 and 31, 2026, were organized 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. Six scientifically designed cage nets were provided to support cage aquaculture, while coracles were distributed to improve mobility, operational efficiency, and safety for women engaged in cage culture and reservoir fishing.

The initiative was carried out under the guidance of Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, in coordination with the Director of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya, and Dr. S. K. Majhi, Head, ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Pronob Das and Dr. S. C. S. Das, Senior Scientists, with technical support from Mr. A. Kakati, Technical Officer. In a statement, Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, said, "ICAR-CIFRI remains committed to empowering tribal and riparian communities through science-based fisheries interventions. Initiatives such as the distribution of cage nets and coracles will strengthen women-led fisheries, promote sustainable livelihoods, and enhance the resilience of inland fisheries in the Northeast region." Dr. Dey observed that the integration of modern fisheries technologies with community participation is creating a robust ecosystem for women-led entrepreneurship, strengthening inland fisheries value chains. He further noted that ICAR-CIFRI's interventions are designed not merely to enhance fish production but to build resilient fisheries institutions capable of generating employment, promoting resource conservation, and fostering inclusive economic development across the Northeast and contributing to the national agenda of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Shri D. Majaw, President of the Ri-Bhoi Farmers' Union, highlighted the long-standing partnership between ICAR-CIFRI and the Union in improving the socio-economic conditions of tribal fishing communities. He appreciated the institute's sustained scientific support, which has significantly enhanced fish production while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for reservoir-dependent families. Highlighting the institute's technological interventions, Dr. Pronob Das said that ICAR-CIFRI has successfully developed cage culture technology specifically suited to the mid-altitude reservoirs of Northeast India. Through participatory approaches, the institute continues to promote cage aquaculture, culture-based fisheries, biodiversity conservation, and aqua-tourism, with a special emphasis on empowering tribal women through fisheries-based enterprises.

During the programme, Mr. A. Kakati demonstrated standard operating procedures for scientific cage culture and the safe operation of coracles, emphasizing best management practices and safety measures for reservoir fishing activities. Expressing gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ms. Banri L. Nongbri thanked ICAR-CIFRI for its continued technical guidance and input support. She said the assistance would significantly strengthen the livelihoods of tribal women fishers and encourage greater participation of women in fisheries-based enterprises. The combined distribution of cage nets and coracles marks another milestone in ICAR-CIFRI's mission to promote sustainable inland fisheries, strengthen women-led enterprises, enhance fish production, and improve the socio-economic well-being of tribal communities in Northeast India through science-based, community-centred interventions.