In India, the Global Programme Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture is working through the initiative Sustainable Aquaculture for Food and Livelihood (SAFAL) in the states of Assam and Odisha. The goal is simple yet powerful: to improve nutrition and incomes for vulnerable families by promoting sustainable pond-based aquaculture. Thousands of small-scale farmers have already received hands-on training, while women’s self-help groups are gaining new opportunities to participate and lead. At the same time, the project strengthens farmer institutions and supports state-level policy development, making sure that sustainable practices are not just temporary solutions but lasting changes for communities and the sector as a whole.
The state of Assam in the North East Region of India has large areas available that are suitable for aquaculture. However, the potential of sustainable aquaculture to improve the supply of high-quality proteins and micronutrients from fish products to the rural population and to create additional income is not fully tapped.
Assam produces 71% of the total fish production in the North East Region with the potential for doubling its production. Available policy frameworks, government schemes and research institutions create improved conditions for the sustainable development of aquaculture in Assam.
Znadi Nunisa, a young woman from Assam, recognized the opportunity and took her part in it. She was born to a family of eight children in East Karbi Anglong district (Assam, India), and never thought she would be following in her father’s footsteps. Although she had graduated from college, she was unable to secure a job to provide for her family. Therefore, it was Znadi who reactivated her father’s aquaculture pond after his passing.
Through an awareness campaign by Kalong Kapili, a local NGO, Znadi came to know about their sustainable aquaculture training programme, supported by the Sustainable Aquaculture for Food and Livelihood (SAFAL) project – implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Motivated to reinstate her family pond, she enlisted herself for the programme. Through the training, she learned about aquaculture pond management including the right stocking density, feeding and water parameters as well as managing the finances of her new business.
Successful application of the training led to an uprising of her aquaculture farm, resulting in high productivity of fish and finally in starting her own fish seed hatchery. These seeds are sold to farmers in her community, who are happy to receive good quality fingerlings. As a Community Resource Person (CRP), she furthermore acts as a multiplier of the gained knowledge about sustainable aquaculture, which she provides to fellow farmers in her region.
“Getting acknowledged as a CRP was a life-changing experience and I could gain individuality in my community through the knowledge gained from the training”
Znadi Nunisa
Znadi now feels confident that she will now be able to carry on her father’s legacy to an environment-friendly and sustainable aquaculture practice while securing her family’s financial autonomy.
Author: Lukas Novaes Tump
The Global Programme “Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture” is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The aim of the programme is to increase the fish supply from sustainable and resource-friendly fisheries and aquaculture to boost healthy and diverse nutrition in Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Uganda, and Zambia. Sustainable production and processing techniques are promoted along the value chain to create jobs and income, with a special focus on......
