Kochi: From fish farming and ornamental aquaculture to seafood value addition, coastal women in Kerala are building new livelihoods as entrepreneurs, supported by a science-led initiative of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

 

In an effort to improve livelihoods and create opportunities for income diversification, CMFRI’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub helped setting up 84 micro entrepreneurial interventions across eight districts of the state between 2022 and 2026. Most of the beneficiaries of the Department of Science and Technology (DST)-funded STI Hub, belong to the Scheduled Caste community.

Led by Dr Vipinkumar V.P., Principal Scientist, the project directly benefitted 469 people, including 220 women and six transgenders, with indirect benefits expected to reach around 2,500 others.

 

 

“According to the impact assessment of the project, household incomes of beneficiaries have increased by 30–35 per cent”, Dr Vipin Kumar said, adding that the STI Hub extended 141 training programmes that strengthened their technical and entrepreneurial skills.

The enterprises span a range of activities, including cage fish farming, pearl spot seed production, ornamental fish culture, integrated fish farming, mussel and oyster farming, and clam cultivation, alongside fisheries value addition, fish vending and dry fish production.

“The initiative helped women move beyond traditional livelihood roles to become producers, skilled service providers and business owners in the fisheries value chain”, he said.

A good number of beneficiaries established themselves as skilled professionals in diverse fisheries-based livelihood activities, including cage fabrication, aquarium technology, integrated farming, seed and broodstock distribution.

CMFRI extended support in technology transfer, hands-on training, entrepreneurial guidance and market linkages facilitated through the institute’s Agricultural Technology Information Centre and Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

“The STI Hub demonstrates how scientific interventions can translate into tangible economic opportunities. The initiative offers a replicable model for empowering women and promoting inclusive growth in the fisheries sector”, said CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George.

Through this initiative, CMFRI aimed to improve the socio-economic conditions of coastal communities facing subsistence-level incomes, and limited livelihood opportunities. By addressing gaps in access to finance, technical knowledge and essential infrastructure, the project promoted sustainable livelihood diversification and fisheries-based entrepreneurship, Dr George added.

CMFRI will celebrate Women Farmers’ Day on Thursday at the farm of Dr Akhilamol in Kodungallur, a national award-winning entrepreneur and beneficiary of the STI Hub project. The event will spotlight the achievements of women entrepreneurs, with beneficiaries sharing their success stories and experiences in fisheries-based enterprises.

 

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