Hatchery-based mass seed production of small indigenous fish: Advancing nutrition, livelihoods, and freshwater biodiversity

Abstract

Recognising the potential of small indigenous fish species (SIS) in alleviating malnutrition and enhancing rural livelihoods, WorldFish and partners pioneered hatchery-based mass seed production of SIS, achieving a breakthrough in nutrition-sensitive aquaculture. Through innovative breeding protocols, mobile small-scale hatchery systems, and farmer-centred business models, the initiative has scaled SIS aquaculture across India and Bangladesh, generating over 52 million SIS seeds. With formal policy adoption in Odisha and Assam, SIS aquaculture is emerging as a vital instrument for nutrition security, women’s empowerment, smallholder income generation, and biodiversity conservation in freshwater systems under climate change pressures.