The world has been experiencing remarkable growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The sector play s a vital role in shaping socio-economic development on account of its contribution to food and nutritional security, national income, and employment opportunities, as well as generating livelihood options for people, especially in rural areas. India currently ranks 3rd in fisheries and 2nd in aquaculture production in the world, contributing 6.3% to the total global fish production. Odisha is one of the major fish-producing states in India , producing 1.06 million tonnes in 2022-23. The state’s favorable environmental conditions make it ideal for aquaculture of commercially important species in its vast inland and brackishwater resources. Aquaculture is often seen as a male-dominated sector due to the significant investment and physical labor required, with women’ s roles and participation primarily considered supportive. Despite this perception, many developmental projects and programs by the central and state governments in the Balasore district of Odisha have created numerous opportunities for fisherwomen and women entrepreneurs to gain meaningful employment in the field.
A study conducted in the Balasore district of Odisha explored women’s participation in Aquaculture and allied activities. It was found that several programs such as ‘One District One Product,’ ‘One Gram Panchayat (GP) One Product,’ and ‘Input assistance to Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) for pisciculture in GP Tanks’ under the umbrella scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY)’ have led to women’ s empowerment in the region. The study showed that when a group of 15 women or more come together and form a WSHG , they can solve their problems together and generate income through various fisheries enterprises. Women of the Balasore region are actively participating in aquaculture activities such as pond site selection and preparation, collection, sorting, and stocking of fingerlings, feeding, harvesting, transportation, ornamental fish rearing and breeding activities, and fish feed plant operation. The SHG members reportedly earn between 200000 and 300000 Indian rupees per annum from these enterprises. Women’s participation in aquaculture is increasing, and empowering women through WSHGs enhances their economic status and contributes to broader societal goals such as food security, poverty reduction, improved livelihood opportunities, and sustainable development. Despite these significant contributions, women face gender disparities and limited access to resources, training, and markets compared to their male counterparts. M ultifaceted approaches like training and capacity-building initiatives, targeted policies, and investments are required to empower women in the sector. The women can further come forward to undergo scientific training on several post-harvest technologies scientific training from institutes like the Central Institute of Fisheries Education and Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture. The evolving role of women in fisheries and aquaculture represents a promising avenue for promoting gender equality and inclusive growth in Odisha. By leveraging their knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit, women can drive innovation, resilience, and prosperity in the sector, ultimately benefiting communities and ecosystems alike.