Ananda is a Government registered public charitable trust formed to create ultimate happiness to rural India by way of alternative development program in sustainable way.
Aquaculture is one of the most important potential sectors of the national economy. Fish has been a staple food and its demand is increasing due to growing population and awareness on health benefits. Rural part of country is facing challenge of malnutrition along with poor financial position. Lots of waterbodies are lying unused at rural area where a profitable fish farming is easily possible with a very nominal support.
Fish farming in rural areas mainly rely on natural productivity of the pond and can be enhanced by adding animal manure to the water, which increases carrying capacity of the pond. Such systems may not generate substantial financial returns to rural communities but a small increase in food security and nutrition security, particularly in terms of protein, will have a significant effect on the livelihoods of the rural people.
Aquaculture is emerging as an important solution and the challenge is to make this growth more inclusive. Given the growing pressure on natural resources and the mounting threat posed by climate change, it is important to make it more sustainable. Aquaculture has the potential to generate income and create jobs, especially to the local youth. Being small and less risky, small-scale aquaculture can be adopted easily by resource-poor farmers.
Ananda is working on this particular area to support underprivileged women to do profitable fish farming with a support of technical know how, Government subsidies, marketing support and overall management.
Sustainable livelihood approach (SLA) aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability in communities engaged in small scale aquaculture and fisheries. Through SLA the fish farmers are encouraged to enhance the pond carrying capacity, involve farm family, improve resource utilization, integrate different components in the fish farming and optimally utilize farm areas and farm wastes (Cow manure, vermicompost) to enhance the farm income for the family livelihood and better sustainability.
With people at the centre of development, women’s groups and fish farming groups with 15-20 members are formed. Small and seasonal ponds close to home are used. Pond water is fertilized to enhance natural food (green water); kitchen wastes and on- farm by products are used as feed. Vegetables are grown on the dykes using fertile pond water.
