In a significant step towards boosting rural development and women’s empowerment, the Yadgir Zilla Panchayat has proudly rolled out the ‘Girinadu Matsya Kranti’ initiative. This program, part of the larger Matsya Sanjeevini scheme and supported by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), aims to uplift women in the region through thriving fisheries.
As a flagship project spearheaded by the Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (KSRLPS), ‘Girinadu Matsya Kranti’ is designed to unlock the immense potential of inland fisheries. It seeks to create diverse livelihood opportunities and foster economic independence for women through environmentally conscious and profitable fishing practices.
A core focus of the scheme is to galvanize and equip women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Gram Panchayat Level Federations (GPLFs). These groups will be empowered to actively engage in fish farming and marketing, leveraging local resources and existing gram panchayat tanks to build robust, community-led enterprises.
Ultimately, Matsya Sanjeevini strives to build the capabilities of rural women, transforming them into adept managers of profitable micro-fisheries businesses. This not only promises to significantly enhance their social standing but also secures their economic future, offering a pathway to prosperity.
This innovative, community-driven model offers a dual benefit: it substantially boosts the income of SHG members while simultaneously fueling local economic development. Moreover, it addresses nutritional security by facilitating the production of affordable, protein-rich fish for the wider community.
To kickstart this ambitious endeavor, an impressive total of 145,000 fish of various species, including popular varieties like katla, rohu, mrigal, common carp, and silver carp, have already been introduced into four designated village tanks in Baligera, Kannikal, Passpol, and Balichakra within the district.
Looking ahead, four more tanks across Ullesugur, Konkal, Shivapur, and Kalbelagundi villages have been earmarked for the scheme’s expansion, promising even broader impact in the near future.
According to Lavish Ordia, Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Panchayat, the primary goals of this initiative are clear: “We aim to generate new livelihood avenues for women’s Self-Help Groups and federations, boost employment, and significantly raise rural household incomes through inland aquaculture. Ultimately, our vision is to enhance the economic strength, social standing, and overall quality of life for women in our rural communities.”
Mr. Ordia urged women to seize this opportunity for substantial economic advancement, emphasizing that Matsya Sanjeevini is rapidly becoming a widespread movement across the state. He assured that dedicated efforts are underway to ensure its successful implementation throughout the district, believing it can transform lives, one tank, one effort, and one dream at a time.