With the United Nations declaring 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognise the contribution of women to agrifood systems and promote greater investment in their livelihoods, leadership and participation, a two-day National Fisherwomen Conclave on ‘Empowering Women in India’s Blue Economy: Recognition, Inclusion and Partnering’ is being organised at the ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi.

The Conclave, organised by the Society of Fisheries Technologists (India) (SOFTI) in association with ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, focuses on strengthening the recognition, inclusion and participation of women in India’s fisheries sector and exploring pathways to ensure greater access to technology, finance, institutional support and market opportunities. The programme includes hands-on sessions on digital and financial literacy, occupational health and safety, climate education and disaster preparedness.

The Conclave was inaugurated today, bringing together 60 women from Kerala, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.

Dr. B. Meenakumari, Former Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, New Delhi, was the Chief Guest at the inaugural function. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Meenakumari highlighted the significant role of women in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

“Women are the backbone of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, contributing significantly across the value chain, particularly in processing, value addition and marketing. However, their work remains largely undervalued and underrepresented. Empowering fisherwomen requires greater access to formal recognition, credit, technology, training, social security and decision-making platforms. Women should be recognised not merely as beneficiaries, but as entrepreneurs, innovators and climate ambassadors who can play a key role in building a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable blue economy. I encourage more women to come forward and make use of the opportunities offered through government initiatives and fisheries programmes,” she said.

The participants represent a wide range of fisheries-related occupations, including gleaning, fish processing, value addition, seaweed farming, trout farming, dry fish vending, processing and marketing, and fish culture. Their participation reflects the diverse roles played by women across the fisheries value chain in different regions of the country.

The International Year of the Woman Farmer provides a timely context for recognising the contribution of women to agrifood systems. Since fisheries and aquaculture form an integral part of these systems, the National Fisherwomen Conclave provides a platform to highlight the vital role of fisherwomen in sustaining livelihoods, supporting food and nutritional security, and contributing to India’s Blue Economy.

Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT and President, SOFTI, presided over the function. Dr. Nikita Gopal, Head, Extension, Information and Statistics Division, ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, and Convener of the programme, also spoke at the inaugural session. Dr. Grinson George, Director, ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), Kochi, was the Guest of Honour. Dr. Sandhya K. M., Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, also spoke at the inaugural session

Dr. B. Meenakumari, Former Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, speaking at the inaugural function.