In the Kendrapara district of Odisha, a transformative initiative is changing the lives of countless women. This remarkable program, once spearheaded and promoted by 2018-batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre, Mr Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas, has empowered over 2.6 lakh women through sustainable pisciculture. Not only has it turned their lives around, but it has also enabled them to become vital contributors to their local economies. The initiative serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when women are equipped with the right tools, training, and support.
For his efforts, Suryawanshi was recently honored with the prestigious Excellence in Governance Award under the Gender and Inclusion category in 2024. His innovative approach has revitalized the local fishing industry and created new economic opportunities for women, thereby promoting gender inclusion and driving rural economic growth.
Indian Masterminds interacted with Mr Suryawanshi who is currently posted as District collector of Balasore, to know more about his initiative and tenure in kendrapada and how he taking initiative in Balasore now.
A VISION OF EMPOWERMENT
While serving as the District Collector of Kendrapara, Mr. Suryawanshi implemented a visionary initiative that integrated women’s self-help groups (SHGs) into the fisheries sector. The program, called Input Assistance to WSHGs for Pisciculture in Gram Panchayat ponds, aimed to create sustainable livelihoods for women by managing local ponds – referred to as panchayat tanks. By leasing these ponds to SHGs, the women were empowered to take charge of pisciculture and profit from it.
WOMEN IN FISHERIES
The idea behind this initiative was simple yet powerful – teach a woman to fish, and she can feed her family and community for a lifetime. By renting out village ponds to women, the project ensured that they could profit from pisciculture, a highly profitable business in the region.
Currently, more than 2.6 lakh women from 1,199 SHGs are involved in sustainable pisciculture across 520 hectares of panchayat ponds. Each hectare yields around 4-5 metric tonnes of fish annually, allowing SHGs to earn over ₹3 lakh per year – an income that significantly improves their quality of life.
The initiative has brought new hope to rural women, allowing them to engage in a business that traditionally was dominated by men. These women are not only involved in raising fish but also in managing the business side of things – selling their catch at local markets and generating income for their families.
Mr Suryawanshi shared, “We are taking this initiative even further. We are working on developing fish-based products, such as dried fish and other local items made from dried fish, and providing a platform for their sale.”
A STORY OF TRANSFORMATION
One of the many success stories from this initiative is that of Shantilata Samal, a former Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) supervisor from Koranda village. After retiring four years ago, Shantilata decided to take on a new challenge – becoming a part of her local SHG and venturing into pisciculture.
With the support of the district administration, Shantilata’s group leased a panchayat pond and began cultivating fish. The government provided quality fingerlings, subsidies, and technical support to help them succeed. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, Shantilata’s SHG now earns a profit from the panchayat pond and is helping to regenerate a derelict pond into a thriving fishery.
Shantilata’s group is now producing 4-5 metric tonnes of fish annually from their one-hectare pond. With this, they earn over Rs. 3 lakh per year – an income that significantly improves their quality of life. As Shantilata shares, “We are not just selling fish. We are now part of a growing industry, providing food and income for our families.” There are many more such stories in the district.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
The initiative goes beyond simply teaching women how to fish. The district administration is also focused on skill development and market access. Women are now being trained to produce value-added fish products, such as dried fish, which are in high demand. They are provided with platforms to market their products, and efforts are underway to enhance the marketing skills of the women so they can tap into larger and more lucrative markets.
He said, “In addition, we are focusing on skill development to ensure that women don’t just sell fish, but also create market-ready products with better marketing strategies. Our current focus is on expanding into new markets.”
In fact, the expansion of this model to Balasore district is already underway. The district administration is focused on creating sustainable opportunities for women and ensuring that they have the necessary skills to thrive in the marketplace. With plans for further expansion, this initiative holds the potential to uplift many more women across Odisha.
A MODEL FOR RURAL ECONOMIC GROWTH
The success of this pisciculture initiative has had far-reaching effects, not only in terms of women’s empowerment but also in the regeneration of neglected panchayat tanks or ponds. These tanks, once derelict and underutilized, are now producing a steady supply of fish that meets local demand while providing employment and income to rural communities. This project has also created job opportunities for men in the villages, who are engaged in various tasks related to the pisciculture business.
The positive impact is undeniable. Families are earning a better income, children are receiving better education, and communities are thriving. The model’s success has also caught the attention of other districts, with plans for expansion across Odisha and beyond.
A FUTURE OF PROSPERITY
This pioneering efforts in Kendrapara district have laid the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future. By empowering women through sustainable pisciculture, this initiative is not just changing the economic landscape of rural Odisha but is also helping to break down barriers and challenge gender stereotypes.
The success of this initiative serves as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of community-driven projects that prioritize women’s empowerment, skill development, and economic inclusion. As more women take the reins of their future, they are proving that when you teach a woman to fish, you not only change her life – but the entire community as well.
