Monowara Khatun, a small fish farm has become a pathway to greater financial independence after years of struggling to support her family.

The resident of Katmarchar village in North Bedkashi Union, in Khulna’s coastal Koyra Upazila, began fish farming several years ago after her husband fell ill. With little experience, she initially faced challenges but gradually developed her skills with technical advice and support from the JJS-implemented ERCC-2 project.She now farms fish on about 10 decimals of land and has expanded into goat rearing and ginger cultivation in bags. Starting with two goats, she now has eight.“I had little knowledge of fish farming when I started,” Monowara said. “With support from the project, I learned about feeding, water management and disease control. I can now earn regularly from selling fish and contribute to my family.”

Officials visited her farm in Katmarchar on Wednesday (September 23) to observe her fish farming and other income-generating activities. The delegation included Upazila Agriculture Officer Tilak Kumar Ghosh, Senior Fisheries Officer Samir Kumar Sarkar and other government and project officials.The ERCC-2 project has linked about 700 beneficiaries in North Bedkashi Union with income-generating activities, including integrated rice-fish farming, goat rearing and ginger cultivation. Among them are Prabha Rani Mondal and Rabeya Khatun of Borobari village.Beneficiaries said access to technical advice and support has helped them overcome initial uncertainty and generate income from small-scale farming.

Agriculture Officer Tilak Kumar Ghosh said supporting women in income-generating activities can strengthen household finances and build their confidence. Fisheries Officer Samir Kumar Sarkar said proper management and regular care can generate good fish production even from small areas, adding that women are being encouraged through training and technical assistance.