Beyond Production: Inland Fisheries as a Nutrition-Sensitive Food System in Jharkhand, India

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab.111.13

Abstract:
Inland fisheries and aquaculture represent a vital, yet underutilized, nutrition-sensitive food system with significant potential to address dual challenges of malnutrition and rural poverty. This review synthesizes scientific and socio-economic evidence to evaluate this dual role in the resource-rich but malnutrition-affected state of Jharkhand, India. An analysis of published nutritional data reveals that commonly consumed freshwater fish species are rich sources of high-quality protein (10–22%), essential long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), and critical micronutrients including bioavailable iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamins A and D. These attributes position freshwater fish as a potent dietary tool against anemia, stunting, and hidden hunger prevalent in the region. Economically, the sector supports thousands of rural households, yet state-level productivity (~2,570 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) lags behind national benchmarks. Persistent constraints in seed quality, feed availability, and extension services limit sectoral performance. Our integrated analysis underscores that inland fisheries are not merely a production sector but a foundational component of sustainable food systems. We conclude by proposing a nutrition-sensitive fisheries framework for Jharkhand, advocating for policy interventions that concurrently enhance scientific aquaculture management, integrate fish into nutrition programs, and strengthen value chains to improve both health outcomes and economic security for vulnerable communities.

Keywords:
Inland fisheries; Nutrition-sensitive aquaculture; Food security; Micronutrients; Rural livelihoods; Jharkhand; Freshwater fish; Omega-3 fatty acids; Policy interventions; Sustainable food systems.

Article Info:
Received: 13 Jan 2026; Received in revised form: 15 Feb 2026; Accepted: 20 Feb 2025; Available online: 28 Feb 2026

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