On the occasion of International Women’s Day, two women from Kerala, Sheeja Cylvi and K. S. Ramadevi Pramod, are being honored by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) for their remarkable achievements in fisheries. Sheeja Cylvi, based in Ashtamudi Lake, has developed a successful aquaculture business focusing on mussel and oyster farming with the support of CMFRI’s initiatives. Through training programs, she has not only secured a stable income for her family but also empowered other women in the community by introducing them to mussel farming.
The second honoree, Ramadevi Pramod from Nayarambalam, has transitioned from a hobbyist to a commercial ornamental fish farmer over the years. With the assistance of the STI Hub project, she has expanded her operations and now supplies ornamental fish to Kerala Aqua Ventures International Limited (KAVIL) while also selling directly from her farm. These success stories aim to highlight the increasing presence of women entrepreneurs in the fisheries sector and encourage more coastal women to engage in aquaculture, showcasing the transformative power of resilience and knowledge.
The recognition ceremony, scheduled in Kochi, will feature Sheela Kochouseph Chittalappilly, an industrialist and philanthropist, as the chief guest. CMFRI’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub project plays a pivotal role in providing training, technical assistance, and entrepreneurial guidance to individuals like Sheeja and Ramadevi, fostering sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities.
