India ranks number 2nd in the list of countries by population and 973.3 million people who were unable to afford a healthy diet. Odisha state located in northeast India is one of the least developed, particularly in rural areas, which has contributed to high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition. In response, scientific and nutrition-sensitive aquaculture (NSA) programs have emerged, which promote activities such as species diversification, nutrition education, and women’s empowerment by evolving in aquaculture activities. In India, Women are predominantly involved in subsistence aquaculture, however, these women are not targeted for further empowerment because of the lack of women-centric aquaculture policies coupled with cultural and social constraints that prevent women’s participation in commercial aquaculture. This study investigates how women self-help groups (WSHGs) in Odisha has incorporated scientific fish farming in underutilsed Gram Panchayat (GP) ponds practices into a socially equitable, gender-sensitive, economically profitable, nutritionally-sensitive and environmentally sustainable fish farming. The survey was conducted on WSHGs that participated in the program over first years of implementation in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. Data were collected through personal interview of 944 WSGHs, chosen randomly, (512 Carp–mola polyculture WSGHs and 432 carp-only polyculture WSGHs) using a structured questionnaire. Mola broodstock were stocked in Gram Panchayat (GP) ponds, at an average density of 24.46 kgha-1. The results indicated that BCR and profitability of carp–mola polyculture system are significantly higher (P<0.05) than carp-only polyculture systems. Smaller ponds proved to have higher productivity of mola than larger ponds.Pond area, water depth, size at harvest and crop duration was found to be identical for both systems. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and size at stocking were significantly higher in carp–mola polyculture compared to carp–mola polyculture system though stocking density of carp fingerlings lower. More than 93% WSHGs expressed a willingness to renew their lease agreement to further continue fish farming at their GP tank beyond period of the program. The findings of this study highlighted the superiority of the involvement of WSHGs in aquaculture and carp–mola polyculture system. The adoption of carp–mola polyculture in GP tanks by WSHGs improved food and nutritional security, gender equity and increased fish production and productivity of the GP tanks in villages across Odisha.