Ornamental Fish Culture: A Way Towards Sustainable Development and Alternative Livelihood for West Bengal Fisherwomen

Biplab Bhowmik
Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Diamond Harbour Women’s University, Sarisha -743368, West Bengal, India

Bipasa Dey
Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Diamond Harbour Women’s University, Sarisha -743368, West Bengal, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/lbsopf.2024.e01.004

Keywords: Ornamental Fish, West Bengal, Ornamental Fish culture, Alternative Livelihood, Women Empowerment

Abstract:
The ornamental fish trade sector is gaining importance since past few decades. Demand for aquarium fish in both domestic and international markets is increasing constantly. India is rich in the biodiversity of freshwater and marine ornamental fishes but its contribution to the international trade is significantly low compared to the demand. Three main states contributing to the export of ornamental fish are West Bengal, Kerela and Tamil Nadu out of which West Bengal is the leading state. Still many fishermen community in the state are economically backward since they don’t earn sufficient from fishing and many have to opt for other income sources like labour work. In this scenario, breeding and culture of ornamental fish could be a very good alternative source of income for these fishermen. Ornamental fish culture requires very little space, low investment and little labour force. This culture can also be done in the house’s backyard in small circular or rectangular tanks. Since it can be done easily in the house with minimum labour, women can also engage in this activity and make a remarkable contribution towards this business. It can also provide them with financial stability. Proper and scientific ornamental fish culture will not only increase the rate of export and gain foreign exchange but also promote women empowerment in financially backward areas.

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How to Cite
Biplab Bhowmik and Bipasa Dey (2024). Ornamental Fish Culture: A Way Towards Sustainable Development and Alternative Livelihood for West Bengal Fisherwomen. © International Academic Publishing House (IAPH), Dr. Somnath Das, Dr. Ashis Kumar Panigrahi, Dr. Rose Stiffin and Dr. Jayata Kumar Das (eds.), Life as Basic Science: An Overview and Prospects for the Future Volume: 1, pp. 38-47. ISBN: 978-81-969828-9-8 doi: https://doi.org/10.52756/lbsopf.2024.e01.004

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