The ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) organized a Coracle Distribution Programme at Umiam Reservoir, Meghalaya on 31.07.2026, to strengthen livelihood opportunities and empower tribal women fishers in the region. The programme was organized by the ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati, in collaboration with the Ri-Bhoi Farmers’ Union (RFU), Meghalaya, and the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of Meghalaya, under the NEH & TSP Programme of ICAR-CIFRI. As part of the programme, coracles were distributed to 25 tribal women fisher families engaged in cage culture and fishing activities in Umiam Reservoir. The initiative aims to enhance access to fisheries-based livelihood opportunities and strengthen women-led fisheries activities in the reservoir.
The programme was conducted under the overall guidance of the Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore; the Director, DoF, Government of Meghalaya; and Dr. S. K. Majhi, Head, ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati. It was coordinated by Dr. Pronob Das and Dr. S. C. S. Das, Senior Scientists, along with Mr. A. Kakati, Technical Officer.
Addressing the gathering, Shri D. Majaw, President of the Ri-Bhoi Farmers’ Union (RFU), Meghalaya, highlighted the continuous collaborative efforts of ICAR-CIFRI, and the RFU towards the welfare and livelihood enhancement of local fishers. He appreciated the technical and scientific support extended by ICAR-CIFRI in enhancing fish production and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for fishers dependent on Umiam Reservoir.
Dr. Pronob Das briefed the participants on ICAR-CIFRI’s initiatives to promote cage culture, culture-based fisheries, aqua-tourism, and biodiversity conservation in Umiam Reservoir through a participatory approach for the benefit of the riparian communities. He also highlighted the institute’s efforts to promote greater participation of women in fisheries and allied activities.
Mr. A. Kakati explained the benefits of using coracles and briefed the participants on the standard operating procedures for their safe and effective use in the reservoir. He also emphasized the importance of adhering to appropriate safety measures while undertaking fishing and cage culture activities.
Speaking on behalf of the women fisher group, Ms. Banri L. Nongbri expressed her gratitude to ICAR-CIFRI for its continued support in improving the welfare and livelihoods of women fishers in the region.
The distribution of coracles marks an important step towards promoting women-led fisheries-based livelihoods, strengthening community participation, and supporting sustainable fisheries development in Umiam Reservoir. The initiative reflects ICAR-CIFRI’s continued commitment to enhancing the socio-economic well-being of tribal and riparian communities through science-based, participatory fisheries interventions.
