Women-Led Fish–Horti Integrated Farming System Promoted in South Tripura under ICAR-RCER’s NEH Programme

18 June 2026, Patna

The ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, successfully organized a Women-Centric Capacity Building Programme for Farmers Interest Groups (FIGs) in South Tripura district under its North Eastern Hill (NEH) Programme. Facilitated by the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the programme focused on promoting the theme, "Rural Women-led Fish-Horti Based Pond Aquaculture: A Scalable Agribusiness Model," with the objective of empowering rural women through integrated fishery and horticulture-based farming systems.

The initiative aims to establish over 100 acres of demonstration units integrating fisheries and horticulture under a sustainable farming model. To support the participating farmers, ICAR-RCER provided critical production inputs, including one lakh quality fish fingerlings, 800 high-value horticultural seedlings, nearly one tonne of agricultural lime, and other essential materials.

As part of the programme, eight new Farmers Interest Groups (FIGs) were constituted, each comprising ten women members from eight different villages. The groups will receive continuous scientific guidance, technical backstopping, and field-level mentoring from ICAR-RCER experts to facilitate the successful adoption and scaling of the integrated Fish-Horti farming system.

During the interactive session, farmers shared the constraints they encounter in their existing farming practices and appreciated the practical technologies and agribusiness opportunities introduced through the programme. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Tuntun Singha, a progressive woman farmer, expressed her optimism that the initiative would enable rural women to effectively utilize their backyard ponds for income generation and strengthen the economic security of their families.

The inaugural session was graced by Shri Dipak Datta, Sabhadhipati, South Tripura Zila Parishad, as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries present included Shri Tikendra Jamatia, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Tripura, and Dr. P. B. Roy, President, All Tripura Farmer Club and Member (IMC), ATARI Zone VII, highlighting the collaborative efforts of multiple institutions in promoting sustainable rural livelihoods.

The programme was organized under the guidance of Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna.

A total of 80 farmers participated in the programme, including 73 women, reflecting the growing role of women in driving sustainable agriculture and integrated agribusiness development in the North Eastern region.

(Source: ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna)