Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying and Minority Affairs, George Kurian, announced the launch of the Matsya Shakti project. This initiative aims to empower coastal minority communities through skill development and fisheries-based livelihood support. The project, part of the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan scheme, focuses on capacity-building in the fisheries sector.
The Minister inaugurated a training-cum-awareness program at the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute. Certificates were awarded to candidates who completed the initial phase of the program that started last year at the Vizhinjam center. Matsya Shakti targets 690 individuals, making it one of the most extensive skill development initiatives for minority fisher communities in the district.
Under this project, 90 participants are currently undergoing intensive training to become hatchery production workers. The training program includes various aspects such as broodstock management, larval rearing, and hatchery hygiene. Additionally, 180 beneficiaries will receive training in cage culture fish farming, focusing on sustainable mariculture practices.
A significant emphasis of the Matsya Shakti project is on women’s empowerment, with 420 women set to undergo leadership development training. The training modules cover communication skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship development, and awareness of government schemes. Minister Kurian encouraged the trainees to utilize the program to become entrepreneurs and community leaders, fostering local employment opportunities.
During the event, the Minister distributed fish seeds of high-value species to farmers and emphasized the cultivation potential of these species. He also visited the hatchery and research facilities at the Vizhinjam center. Senior scientists from CMFRI highlighted the institute’s role in promoting technology-driven fisheries development aligned with inclusive growth objectives.
