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Matsya Shakti Empowers Kerala's Coastal Fishers with Skills & Livelihood Support

Union Minister of State George Kurian launched the Matsya Shakti training programme at ICAR-CMFRI's Vizhinjam centre, marking a major capacity-building push under the PM VIKAS scheme. The initiative will directly benefit 690 individuals through specialized training in hatchery production and sustainable cage culture fish farming. A significant focus is on women's empowerment, with 420 women slated for exclusive leadership development training in entrepreneurship and financial literacy. The programme aims to transform coastal minority communities by creating skilled entrepreneurs and local employment opportunities in the fisheries sector.

Key Points: Matsya Shakti Training for Kerala's Minority Fishers Launched

  • Empowers 690 individuals
  • 40-day hatchery worker course
  • Cage culture fish farming training
  • Leadership development for 420 women
  • Part of PM VIKAS scheme
2 min read

MoS George Kurian launches Matsya Shakti training programme for coastal minority fishers in Kerala

Union MoS George Kurian launches Matsya Shakti programme in Kerala, offering skill development in fisheries and leadership training for coastal communities.

"Matsya Shakti aims to benefit 690 individuals, making it one of the largest targeted skill development initiatives for minority fisher communities in the district. - George Kurian"

Thiruvananthapuram, March 4

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Minority Affairs George Kurian on Wednesday said the Centre's Matsya Shakti project would play a transformative role in empowering coastal minority communities through structured skill development and fisheries-based livelihood support.

He was inaugurating a training-cum-awareness programme under the initiative at the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

The project, implemented under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, marks a significant capacity-building intervention in the fisheries sector.

Launching the new phase of structured training and awareness activities, the Minister presented certificates to candidates who completed the first phase of the programme, which began last year at the Vizhinjam centre.

He said Matsya Shakti aims to benefit 690 individuals, making it one of the largest targeted skill development initiatives for minority fisher communities in the district.

Under the programme, 90 participants are undergoing a 40-day intensive course to become hatchery production workers.

The curriculum covers broodstock management, artificial breeding, larval rearing, feed and water quality management, hatchery hygiene, and biosecurity protocols.

Another 180 beneficiaries will receive hands-on training in cage culture fish farming, with emphasis on sustainable mariculture practices.

A key component of the initiative focuses on women's empowerment, with 420 women slated to undergo exclusive leadership development training.

The modules include communication skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship development, awareness of government schemes, and collective action strategies.

Interacting with trainees, Kurian urged them to leverage the programme to become entrepreneurs and community leaders capable of generating employment locally.

He also distributed fish seeds of Giant Trevally, a high-value edible species, and Bluefin Watchman Goby, an ornamental fish, to farmers, and released brochures detailing their cultivation potential.

The Minister later visited the hatchery and other research facilities at the Vizhinjam centre.

Senior scientists of CMFRI highlighted the institute's role in supporting technology-driven fisheries development aligned with inclusive growth objectives.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good to see targeted schemes for minority fishers. The key will be proper implementation on the ground and ensuring the benefits actually reach the intended beneficiaries, not just remain on paper. Hope the training leads to real entrepreneurship.
A
Anjali F
As someone from a coastal district, I've seen many schemes come and go. The curriculum covering broodstock management and sustainable practices sounds promising. But will there be follow-up support and market linkages for these new entrepreneurs? That's crucial.
V
Vikram M
Training 690 individuals is a good start. Combining skill development with awareness of govt schemes is smart. The distribution of high-value fish seeds like Giant Trevally could really boost incomes if the cultivation is successful. Jai Kisan, Jai Matsya!
S
Sarah B
Interesting read. The focus on women's empowerment through financial literacy and entrepreneurship modules is a global best practice. Hope this model can be replicated in other coastal states as well.
K
Karthik V
While the intent is good, I have a respectful criticism. The article mentions "minority fishers" but the success of such programs shouldn't be measured by community tags, but by how they uplift the entire fishing ecosystem of the region. Let's hope it's inclusive in spirit, not just in name.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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