15 July marked the successful completion of a Farmer Capacity Building Workshop and Stakeholder Consultation, the inaugural activity of a collaborative research project on Small Indigenous Fish Systems (SIS) in the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW). The study, commissioned by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) with SCOPE as the grassroots implementation partner, is titled:
“Market Systems, Value Chain Dynamics and Production Economics of Small Indigenous Fish Species in East Kolkata Wetlands.”
Launched in late June, the research seeks to assess the production potential, market opportunities, and economic viability of cultivating Small Indigenous Fish Species (SIS) within the unique wetland ecosystem of the East Kolkata Wetlands.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including fish farmers from the EKW, representatives of IWMI, scientists from the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and SCOPE. Recognising the importance of strengthening market linkages, SCOPE also invited Harmony Sutra India Foods Pvt. Ltd., the company behind the Paushtik Life brand, to participate in the discussions. Their inclusion aimed to explore opportunities for developing a sustainable value chain for SIS.
The programme provided an interactive platform where farmers, researchers, technical experts, and market representatives exchanged practical knowledge and experiences. Discussions focused on improving production practices, understanding market demand, and identifying strategies for enhancing farmers’ livelihoods through SIS cultivation.
SCOPE successfully facilitated an open and participatory dialogue that ensured farmers’ voices remained central to the consultation. One of the most significant outcomes of the workshop was the establishment of a direct market linkage, with Paushtik Life beginning to procure Small Indigenous Fish from East Kolkata Wetlands farmers shortly after the event. This development represents an important step towards building a sustainable and economically rewarding value chain for SIS in the region.
The workshop laid a strong foundation for the ongoing research and reaffirmed the importance of collaborative partnerships among research institutions, local communities, and private-sector stakeholders in promoting sustainable fisheries and livelihood enhancement in the East Kolkata Wetlands.
