The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khordha, observed the “Women in Agriculture Day” at Khamanga Sasan, Balianta, on December 4.

Director, ICAR-CIFA Dr Bindu R Pillai welcomed the guests and highlighted the achievements of ICAR-CIFA. Since inception, the ICAR-CIFA has been playing a pivotal role in attracting more and more women into fish farming. During the last 33 years, the CIFA has operated several outreach projects that benefitted exclusively women, she added. In other projects too sizable proportion of women were provided access to technology, training and skill development and other support in order to encourage them to adopt scientific aquaculture practices, she told.

Earlier, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFA Dr KD Mohapatra highlighted the role played by women in farming. She detailed the technologies available with CIFA that would help the women farmers earn more.

Zilla Parishad, Zone-18, Bhagya Laxmi Mishra graced the occasion as chief guest.

Principal Scientist of ICAR-CIFA Dr Prabhati K Sahoo encouraged the women to start business venture in fish breeding, fish culture, value addition, integrated farming, pearl farming etc.

Six selected women entrepreneurs who have taken farming as a business venture were also felicitated for their accomplishments and shared their experiences. One brochure on Farmer First Project being operated by ICAR-CIFA was also released. Around 150 women participated.