ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi Initiative Empowers Coastal Women as Fisheries Entrepreneurs in KeralaICAR-CMFRI, Kochi Initiative Empowers Coastal Women as Fisheries Entrepreneurs in Kerala

15 October 2026, Kochi

Coastal women in Kerala are building sustainable livelihoods and emerging as entrepreneurs in the fisheries sector through a science-led initiative of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi. From fish farming and ornamental aquaculture to seafood value addition, the initiative is creating opportunities for income diversification and economic empowerment.

Under the Department of Science and Technology (DST)-funded Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub, ICAR-CMFRI facilitated the establishment of 84 micro-enterprises across eight districts of Kerala between 2022 and 2026. Most beneficiaries belong to the Scheduled Caste community.

The initiative directly benefited 469 people, including 220 women and six transgender persons, with indirect benefits expected to reach around 2,500 others. An impact assessment indicated an increase of 30–35% in the household incomes of beneficiaries. The project also conducted 141 training programmes to strengthen their technical and entrepreneurial skills.

The enterprises cover a diverse range of fisheries-based activities, including cage fish farming, pearl spot seed production, ornamental fish culture, integrated fish farming, mussel and oyster farming, and clam cultivation. Other activities include fisheries value addition, fish vending and dry fish production.

The initiative has also enabled beneficiaries to develop professional skills in cage fabrication, aquarium technology, integrated farming, and seed and broodstock distribution, helping them expand their roles across the fisheries value chain.

ICAR-CMFRI supported the beneficiaries through technology transfer, hands-on training, entrepreneurial guidance and market linkages facilitated by 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 Dr Grinson George, Director, ICAR-CMFRI.

Dr George added that the initiative 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.

As part of its efforts to recognise and promote women’s contributions to the fisheries sector, ICAR-CMFRI will celebrate Women Farmers’ Day on Thursday at a farm in Kodungallur. The event, hosted by a beneficiary of the STI Hub project, will highlight the achievements of women entrepreneurs and provide a platform for beneficiaries to share their experiences and success stories in fisheries-based enterprises.

(Source: ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi)