Mumbai : 9 July 2026

Three women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from Maharashtra showcased their value-added seafood products at Seafood Expo Bharat 2026, held in Chennai from July 1 to 3. The participating groups were Matsyakanya SHG from Gavhan village in Raigad district, Vishwakarma SHG from Shirgaon village in Ratnagiri district and Shri Siddhi Vinayak SHG from Chatale village in Palghar district.

The groups displayed their products and offered tasting sessions at a dedicated stall during the three-day exhibition. Their participation was supported under the Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities (ECRICC) project.

The ECRICC project is led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change with support from the Green Climate Fund and UNDP India. In Maharashtra, the Mangrove Cell of the Maharashtra Forest Department is the nodal agency for implementing the project.

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell, Mumbai and State Project Director of ECRICC, N.R. Praveen, said the project supports vulnerable coastal communities, especially women, by helping them develop sustainable livelihoods. Besides financial support to establish businesses, the project also provides skill training, exposure visits and market linkages.

Seafood Expo Bharat 2026, organised by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), brought together seafood producers, processors, exporters and technology providers from across the country.

 

A three-member delegation from the SHGs attended the expo. Manisha Gharat, President of Matsyakanya SHG, said the visit gave them an opportunity to understand the global seafood market and learn new ideas for improving their products. She also expressed her commitment to encourage more women from her village to start their own businesses.

The ECRICC stall attracted over 100 visitors, including Tamil Nadu Fisheries and Fishermen’s Welfare Minister A. Srinath and Maldives Minister of State for Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Dr. Amzath Ahmed, who appreciated the products and encouraged the women entrepreneurs.

State Project Manager of ECRICC Maharashtra Vikram Yadav said the expo highlighted the global potential of locally made products and would help create stronger market linkages for sustainable livelihoods.

PIB Mumbai | Robin Singh/ Priti Malandkar

 

 

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