In remote areas of Manipur, where the challenges of rural life have long held back women from economic independence, a new chapter is being written by the women of the Sitha Leima Fish Farmer Producer Company (FFPC). Their journey from struggling farmers to empowered entrepreneurs showcases the power of leadership, training, and community support, made possible through the efforts of SDS and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
Challenges in the Fisheries Sector
The Sitha Leima FFPC was formed in 2023. Presently, it has 107 women members who come from five different villages in the Nambol block of Bishnupur District, Manipur. All of these women of whom have faced significant challenges in the fishery sector for years such as
- High price of fish seeds
- Exploitation by middlemen
- Remote farm locations
- Transportation problems
- Flooding
Despite these obstacles, the women of Sitha Leima Fish Farmer Producer Company (FFPC) persisted, determined to improve their situation and contribute to the income of their families.
Leadership in Action: Laishram Sanatombi Devi’s Role
A turning point came when Laishram Sanatombi Devi, a 50-year-old fisherwoman from Kha Sanjenbam Makha Leikai, stepped up to take charge. Sanatombi had spent most of her life involved in household and farm activities, much like many other women in her community. But her election as a Director of the newly formed Sitha Leima FFPC marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation. Before joining the FFPC, Sanatombi had little exposure to leadership roles or community activities. However, she quickly adapted to her new role, supported by the training and capacity-building programs offered by SDS and NFDB.
“After joining as a director of Sitha Leima FFPC, I learned a lot and became confident in public gatherings. I can now convince people and make them understand the importance of women’s empowerment. Women can do everything that men do in their livelihood activities,” says Sanatombi, reflecting on her journey.
Empowering Women Through Training and Support
The success of Sitha Leima FFPC would not have been possible without the vital support of SDS and NFDB. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the women in the fisheries sector, the collaboration pf SDS and NFDB provided targeted training that has had a lasting impact.
Training topics included
- Water and soil quality management.
- Induced breeding and selective breeding
- Quality seed production.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
These programs not only taught the women about modern fish farming techniques but also instilled confidence and leadership skills in individuals like Sanatombi. Under Sanatombi’s leadership, the Sitha Leima FFPC achieved an annual turnover of 3.5 lakhs in its first year. Her hands-on management style was key to this success. Sanatombi also worked tirelessly to raise awareness among the Board of Directors, ensuring that the entire team understood the importance of strategic planning and execution.
By establishing storage facilities for fish feed and medicine, she made sure that the members of the FFPC had the necessary inputs to sustain their fish farms. Moreover, Sanatombi encouraged other women in the FFPC to voice their concerns and ideas, fostering an environment of active participation and collaboration.
A Vision for the Future
Looking forward, Sitha Leima FFPC has ambitious goals of:
- Negotiating lower input costs
- Expand membership and business
- Address environmental challenges
The Impact of SDS and NFDB’s collaboration
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), SDS and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) collaborated to promote the FFPOs like the Sitha Leima Fish Farmer Producer Company. This joint collaboration aimed to enhance the livelihoods of those involved in fisheries by forming organized producer groups and providing training sessions. Their training programs not only empowered Sanatombi and other members with technical knowledge but also built their confidence to lead and thrive in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
“I am proud to be contributing to my family’s income through my work with the FFPC,” Sanatombi shares. “Thanks to SDS and NFDB, I now understand the value of women’s empowerment and the importance of working together to overcome challenges.”
A New Era of Women’s Empowerment in ManipurThe success of Laishram Sanatombi Devi and the Sitha Leima FFPC is a powerful example of how community-driven initiatives can transform lives and help in women empowerment. Through their participation in the FFPC, women who once struggled due to multiple challenges are now empowered, confident, and making significant contributions to their families and communities. As more women join the FFPC and receive training from SDS and NFDB, the future of fisheries in Manipur is being reshaped—led by women who are breaking barriers and building stronger, more resilient communities. With leaders like Sanatombi at the forefront, Sitha Leima FFPC is not just a business; it’s a movement toward gender equality, empowerment, and economic independence.
