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Organization of Awareness-cum-Field Days for Fishers of the Narmada River

11^th December, 2024
The Narmada River plays a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of numerous fisher families throughout its course from Amarkantak to Ambetha. Local fishermen, referred to as "Kevats," use artisanal fishing techniques, frequently employing nets, traps, and traditional boats. Fishing is the primary livelihood to majority of the fishers to meet their daily needs, which include education, healthcare, and basic sustenance. However, overfishing, destructive fishing are major threats to sustainability of fisheries of many rivers and there is a need to generate awareness among the local fisher communities for community-driven sustainable fisheries management of rivers.

The ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute conducted a series of awareness-cum-field day programs for the fishers of the Narmada River. The initiatives focused on enhancing sustainable fisheries management, improving the livelihoods of fishers, and increasing awareness of conservation practices to derive long-term livelihood and nutritional security benefits from the flowing resource. The awareness programs were organized at several places along the river course including in districts like Bharuch (27.11.2024) and Narmada (28.11.2024) in Gujarat, Mandla (28.11.2024), Alirajpur (29.11.2024), Jabalpur (29.11.2024), and Khargone (03.12.2024) in Madhya Pradesh. The events saw active participation of more than 250 local fishers, stakeholders, and representatives from fisheries cooperatives. Scientists from ICAR-CIFRI provided important insights in to sustainable fishing techniques, resource conservation, and efficient and safe post-harvest practices.

The participants recognized the importance of preventing overfishing, protecting breeding grounds, and sustaining the river's biodiversity with special emphasis on conservation of indigenous fish species for their own benefits. Discussions were also held on livelihood diversification, highlighting alternative income-generating options like ornamental fish farming and value-added fish products. The team of scientists highlighted the importance of adhering to government regulations, seasonal fishing ban, and safety protocols during fishing. The effort aims to conserve the Narmada River's aquatic habitat while equipping fishers with enhanced skills and knowledge for sustainable livelihoods.

The awareness programs were organized by a scientific team comprised of Dr. S.P. Kamble, Dr. D. Bhakta, Dr. Canciyal Johnson, Mr. Mitesh H. Ramteke, and Mr. S. Kumar, with guidance from Dr. S.K. Manna, Head, REF Division and Dr. Basanta K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, as part of the ongoing project on “Estimation of fish catch, diversity, and socio-economics of fishers of Narmada River towards fisheries and livelihood sustainability.”