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Kerala Women Turn Coastal Hobbies into Thriving Fisheries Ventures

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute is honoring two women entrepreneurs, Sheeja Cylvi and K. S. Ramadevi Pramod, for their success in sustainable fisheries. Both are beneficiaries of CMFRI's STI Hub project, which provides training and entrepreneurial guidance to coastal communities. Sheeja Cylvi has built a lucrative mussel and oyster farming venture that supports her family and has helped other women in her community. Ramadevi Pramod has turned ornamental fish farming from a hobby into a commercial enterprise, supplying fish to state agencies and earning a steady income.

Key Points: Women Entrepreneurs Transform Kerala Fisheries with CMFRI Support

  • CMFRI honors women fisheries entrepreneurs
  • STI Hub project provides training and support
  • Sheeja Cylvi built a thriving mussel farm
  • Ramadevi Pramod runs ornamental fish business
  • Initiative aims to inspire more coastal women
2 min read

From coast to enterprise, women entrepreneurs steering change in fisheries

Sheeja Cylvi and K. S. Ramadevi Pramod honored for building sustainable aquaculture businesses, inspiring coastal women entrepreneurs.

"resilience and knowledge can turn even small ventures into powerful engines of change - CMFRI"

Kochi, March 7

On the shores of Kerala's coastal villages, quiet stories of determination are steadily reshaping livelihoods.

This International Women's Day, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is set to honour two such inspiring women, Sheeja Cylvi and K. S. Ramadevi Pramod, whose grit and enterprise have transformed modest beginnings into sustainable fisheries ventures.

The recognition will be part of the institute's International Women's Day celebrations in Kochi on Monday, where industrialist and philanthropist Sheela Kochouseph Chittalappilly will attend as chief guest.

Both entrepreneurs are beneficiaries of CMFRI's Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub project, an initiative aimed at strengthening livelihood opportunities in coastal communities by providing training, technical support and entrepreneurial guidance.

For Sheeja Cylvi, a resident of St Sebastian Island in Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam district, aquaculture has become a lifeline.

Over the past decade, she has built a thriving venture centred on mussel and oyster farming.

What began as a small initiative gradually grew into a reliable source of income after she attended training programmes organised by CMFRI.

Today, a single crop raised from ten sacks of mussel seeds can yield nearly Rs 1 lakh at harvest.

Beyond supporting her own household and her children's education, Sheeja has also helped introduce mussel farming to women-led self-help groups in the area, enabling several others in the community to earn a livelihood.

A similar journey of perseverance marks the story of Ramadevi Pramod from Nayarambalam in Ernakulam district.

What started as a hobby nearly a decade ago has evolved into a commercial ornamental fish farming enterprise.

After becoming a beneficiary of the STI Hub project in 2022, Ramadevi expanded her operations into a full-scale unit.

She now supplies ornamental fish to the state-run Kerala Aqua Ventures International Limited (KAVIL) while also selling directly from her farm, earning around Rs 5,000 a week from the trade.

By recognising these journeys, CMFRI hopes to spotlight the growing role of women entrepreneurs in fisheries and inspire more coastal women to explore opportunities in marine and inland aquaculture, proving that resilience and knowledge can turn even small ventures into powerful engines of change.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Fantastic news. CMFRI's STI Hub project seems to be doing real, on-ground work. Rs 1 lakh from mussel farming is no small feat. This is the kind of rural entrepreneurship and women empowerment we need to see more of across all states.
A
Aditi M
While this is a positive story, I hope the recognition and support are not just for a day. These women need continuous access to markets, better technology, and protection from climate change impacts on fisheries. The real test is sustaining this success long-term.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in sustainable development, this is a brilliant case study. Turning traditional knowledge into a commercial venture with scientific backing is the perfect model. Kerala is leading the way, but I hope other coastal states replicate this.
K
Karthik V
Ramadevi's story from hobby to business is something many of us can learn from. Ornamental fish farming is a niche with great potential. Earning 5k weekly from it is solid. Wishing her and Sheeja all the best! 🐟
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Meera T
My mother is from a fishing family in Tamil Nadu. She always says the women do most of the work on shore but get little credit or income. Stories like this give me hope that the next generation will have better, more equitable opportunities. Bahut accha!

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