Newsletter, February 2025
Centre For Aquatic Livelihood | Jaljeevika
Water for Livelihood, Water for All. #Jaljeevika is establishing an ecosystem for ensured livelihood & food security
Welcome to the February 2025 edition of our newsletter!
This month has been a testament to the power of community-driven change. Across regions, we have witnessed inspiring efforts by farmers, fisherfolk, and self-help groups working towards more sustainable and climate-resilient livelihoods. From strengthening aquaculture practices to exploring new opportunities in wetland-based farming, every step taken is shaping a more secure and prosperous future.
As we move forward, collaboration remains at the heart of our approach. The dedication of local communities, combined with strategic partnerships, continues to unlock new possibilities for growth and resilience. We thank each of you—our supporters, partners, and the hardworking individuals on the ground—for your unwavering commitment to this journey.
Let’s keep building together, ensuring that every effort contributes to a future where livelihoods are secure, ecosystems are protected, and communities thrive.
1. Releasing Jaljeevika 2.0 Strategy (2025-2035)
Over the past decade, Jaljeevika has worked to unlock the potential of wetland-based livelihoods in India. Wetlands are not just ecological treasures but also key contributors to rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. However, their potential remains underutilized due to fragmented governance, lack of community engagement, and limited livelihood diversification.
Jaljeevika is launching its Strategy Paper for 2025-2035, focusing on revitalizing wetland-based livelihoods in aspirational districts across India.
Why Wetlands? Why Now?
Key Focus Areas (2025-2035)
This forward-looking strategy envisions a future where wetlands drive inclusive growth, sustainable resource management, and rural prosperity, ensuring a resilient and vibrant aquatic livelihood ecosystem.
Kindly visit this link to read and download the document https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7300067132506095616
2. Training and Capacity Building
Workshop for Fishermen & Fish Farmers
On 04 February 2025, Jaljeevika and the College of Fisheries, Ratnagiri, jointly organized a one-day workshop at the Seminar Hall of the College of Fisheries, Ratnagiri. The event aimed to scale up fisheries-related businesses across Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. Sixty-six participants—comprising fish farmers, fishermen, SHG members, FFPOs, seaweed and ornamental fish farmers, NGOs, fish vendors, PMMSY beneficiaries, and Sagar Mitras—gathered from remote villages and towns.
In his inaugural address, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjay Bhave, Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra, emphasized the crucial role of education, innovation, and civil society in transforming aquatic livelihoods. Esteemed dignitaries and the experienced entrepreneurs enriched the session with their insights.
Key dignitaries at the event:
During the event, Prof. Bhave inaugurated the aquatic food calendar and the chatbot Matsya Mitra, developed by Jaljeevika. Farmer participants engaged in discussions about challenges and learning from their entrepreneurial journey.
b. Training on Fish Seed Nursery and Better Management Practices
A one-day training program on fish seed nursery and better management practices was organized at Adarsh Nagar, Piwataal, on 4 February 2025. The training aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of fish farmers and fisherfolk in sustainable aquaculture techniques.
A total of 66 participants attended the session, primarily fish farmers and fisherfolk from the wetland communities of Pakri Tal and Piwa Tal in Mau district. The session covered critical aspects of fish seed rearing, water quality management, disease prevention, and sustainable fish farming practices. The initiative is part of Jaljeevika’s ongoing efforts to strengthen climate-resilient livelihood opportunities in wetland-dependent communities.
c. Aquaculture Training at Bombay Sappers, Pune
On February 25, 2025, Jaljeevika conducted a specialized training program at the Bombay Sappers Army Camp in Pune, engaging 132 participants. The session focused on modern aquaculture techniques, integrating hands-on demonstrations and interactive digital tools to enhance learning. Key topics included sustainable fish farming practices, innovative methodologies to improve productivity, and strategies for environmental resilience. This initiative aimed to strengthen both defense personnel and local communities by equipping them with advanced aquaculture skills for long-term livelihood.
3. Community Support
a. Fish Vending Kit Distribution
Jaljeevika participated in Purnia Mahotsav, the 255th foundation day of Purnia district on 14 February 2025. During this event, Jaljeevika demonstrated climate-resilient innovative models such as Project Pokhar, integrated farming, mini cage seed rearing, and RAS-based systems to benefit small and marginal farmers in the region. Through the convergence efforts of the government scheme facilitation initiative Sewa Kendra, five vending kits were provided to fish vendors by the Fisheries Department. The event was facilitated by Mr. Kundan Kumar, District Magistrate of Purnia, who engaged with the farmers associated with Jaljeevika and encouraged the team for its efforts.
b. Vegetable Seed Distribution Followed by Training on Farming through Agroecological Approaches
The Bundelkhand team organized a training program on vegetable and melon farming through agroecological approaches in the wetland area of Niwari district under the Jal Nidhi program. Women participants learned about sustainable agriculture near the reservoir ecosystem. Through this approach in fisheries and aquatic-based livelihoods, the team sensitized traditional fishing communities on preserving the wetland ecosystem while practicing sustainable agriculture. A total of 30 women farmers received watermelon and other seasonal seeds to be sown in the backwater area of the reservoir.
In another initiative, the Mau team organized a similar event and distributed Poshan Vatika vegetable seed kits to 245 women farmers.
c. Government Scheme Facilitation Enrolment for Fish Farmers
The team facilitated fish farmers, fishermen, and fish vendors in enrolling on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP). Registering on NFDP allows individuals and organizations to apply for benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Benefits of NFDP registration:
A total of 54 individuals were enrolled by the Wardha, Niwari, Purnia, and Mau project teams. Additionally, the team facilitated registration for group insurance and E-Shram cards.
d. Seaweed Cultivation
To introduce seaweed cultivation among the coastal communities of Maharashtra, the team installed new rafts and seeded seaweed from its seed bank. In February, the number of rafts was increased in collaboration with SHGs and local groups, indicating growing interest among coastal communities in seaweed cultivation. The long-term goal is to achieve self-sufficiency in seaweed seed production and establish seaweed-based micro-enterprises in coastal communities.
Connect with Matsya Mitra: Your Aquaculture WhatsApp Chatbot
Matsya Mitra is designed to be more than just a chatbot—it’s a resource hub for aquaculture enthusiasts, fish farmers, and students. Whether you want to improve your fish farming techniques, explore new opportunities in aquaculture, or simply expand your knowledge, Matsya Mitra is here to assist you.
Now equipped with multilingual support, the chatbot can respond in any Indian language, making it more accessible to communities across the country. Try it today and experience seamless access to aquaculture insights, expert guidance, and practical solutions—all at your fingertips!
To connect with Matsya Mitra, send "Hi" on WhatsApp to +91 9156695501 or click here.
We sincerely thank our donors and supporters for their vital role in the success of Jaljeevika's programs. Your unwavering support and generous contributions have empowered us to advance sustainable aquatic livelihoods and improve the well-being of numerous communities. Your belief in our mission fuels our dedication, inspiring us to continue our work with renewed passion.
Thank you for being a crucial part of Jaljeevika’s journey towards sustainable and inclusive development. Let's stay connected, stay inspired, and keep making waves for a better tomorrow.
Warm regards,
Team Jaljeevika
Fisheries Sector Development Adviser at ASSAM FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT CORPN. LTD
1 天前I appreciate the multidimensional development efforts of Jaljeevika for the rural livelihood development through fisheries. At the same time the way they have documented the comprehensive reports in the form of a newsletter is equally praiseworthy. My best wishes to the Jaljeevika team for the continuity of their developmental efforts in future with increased vigour and efforts
secretary at AASRA
1 天前Thanks for sharing. Neelakanth Mishra ji kindly give your mobile number.
Principal & Founder | Angel Investor & Advisor | Sr. Product Mgmt & Marketing professional | Industry partnership & Business Dev Manager | Program Manager
2 天前Neelkanth Mishra - Very effort to see the effort and progress made by Jaljeevika org. Happy to see progress being made on the fisheries front, education, fish feed etc..