In a male-dominated occupation of fish farming, Jaljeevika has come as a catalyst of change. It has empowered several women financially. The start-up has taught fish farmers the art of sustainable farming.
India is a nation that has its roots in the agricultural sector. As of 2020, India’s rural population is at 898,024,053, which depicts that quite a large number of people reside in the rural areas, and hence, we must focus on them.
Since the base of India is agriculture, the government and other organizations are responsible for solving the problems that are ingrained in society. A significant sub-division of agriculture is aqua farming, also known as fish farming. And there are a few problems in aquafarming; however, Jaljeevika is a start-up trying to reduce their problems.
Problems of fish farming
India is known as the second-largest nation which engages in freshwater fish production. However, fish farming in India only uses 50% of seven million hectares of freshwater. Other than that, aquafarming isn’t safe enough and doesn’t generate much employment. and there remain areas of improvement.
The other problem in fish farming is that people involved in fish farming aren’t aware of the technologies, or if they are aware, they aren’t using it to the maximum. The fish farmers cannot manage things properly, nor do they have access to good quality fish seeds.
Another issue that acts as a hurdle in fish farming is that aqua farmers do not have access to markets. Also, the organizations trying to assist aqua farmers cannot provide them with the best tools, knowledge about the weather, which climatic conditions would be suitable for fish farming, and security.
The lack of security has led to the death of several fishermen as there aren’t sufficient rescue operations taking place. However, the exact number of aqua farmers who have died is unknown.
Also, the Indian aqua farms supposedly have large metals in them, which prove hazardous for the aqua farmers.
Assistance of Jaljeevika
In such a hazardous fish farming scenario, the coming of start-up Jaljeevika is commendable. They are a non-profit organization established under section 8 of the company act. The start-up has brought a commitment to work towards safeguarding the fish farmers.
Their aim is not just to teach fishing and provide fish but to revolutionize the entire aquafarming industry. The organization will also help them manage their resources well and provide adequate knowledge of using the technology in the best way possible and for better production.
The company would also provide them access to markets and enhance the lives of fish farmers.
Neelkanth Mishra initiated the organization in 2013, and it has been doing excellent work in helping fish farmers.
Fishing is majorly a male-dominated occupation; however, Jaljeevika enables women to make a mark in this male-dominating field. The organization provided knowledge on pond management and how to derive maximum income out of a job, and that encouraged around 4000 women to start fish farming.
In 2020, the company developed data-based advisory support for the aqua farmers, which has also helped strengthen the local markets.
Niraj Nakhare, a District Mission Manager working for National Rural Livelihood Mission, has appreciated the work done by Jaljeevika for aquafarming. He said, “We can do scalable work under DAY NRLM – UMED livelihoods activity along with well-established fisheries that have technical support from Jaljeevika.
In this regard, our community members are becoming more confident and empowered through fisheries-based activities promoted by Jaljeevika. The Aqua School model is helping hundreds of women fish farmers bring livelihood and income generation.”
Published By: Khushboo Mehta
Edited By: Mahi Gupta