Model Village Project for Sustainable Livelihood in Sundarbans

On April 26, 2025, ICAR-CIFRI, in collaboration with Kultoli Milan Tirtha Society and the State Bank of India, Kolkata Circle, launched a Model Village Project at Haldar Para, Uttar Mokamberia GP, Basanti Block, South 24 Parganas. The initiative, supported under SBI’s CSR programme, aims to enhance the livelihoods of 100 rural families in the Indian Sundarbans through backyard pond fish farming. The launch event featured an inaugural ceremony, beneficiary interaction, project site unveiling, and the distribution of fish farming inputs, 10 kg of fish seed and 120 kg of feed per beneficiary. The project promotes sustainable aquaculture practices, food security, and income generation, especially among women-fishers.

Distinguished guests including Shri Vivekananda Singh, DGM of SBI, and Dr. B.K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, addressed the community. Dr. Das emphasized the importance of saving income from fish farming and expressed hope that the success of this Model Village would inspire similar projects across the region. The initiative marks a vital step toward rural empowerment and self-reliance in the Sundarbans.