The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has established 84 micro-enterprises across eight districts in Kerala under its Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub initiative, transforming women from coastal fishing communities into entrepreneurs, skilled producers, and business owners in the fisheries value chain.

The programme, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has directly benefited 469 people — including 220 women and six transgender persons — with approximately 2,500 others expected to gain indirectly.

Income gains and community reach

An impact assessment found that household incomes among direct beneficiaries rose by 30–35 per cent, according to Dr Vipinkumar V.P., Principal Scientist at CMFRI and the project's lead researcher. Many beneficiaries come from Scheduled Caste families in coastal communities, for whom the programme has opened a pathway toward sustained economic independence.

The CMFRI conducted 141 training programmes to equip participants with both technical knowledge and business skills required to establish and manage their enterprises.

What the enterprises cover

The range of ventures is notably diverse. Beneficiaries have taken up cage fish farming, pearl spot seed production, ornamental fish culture, and the cultivation of mussels, oysters, and clams. Others have moved into integrated fish farming, seafood value addition, fish vending, and dry fish production.

Specialised skills developed through the initiative include cage fabrication, aquarium technology, integrated farming, and the distribution of fish seed and broodstock — areas that go well beyond conventional livelihood roles.

Technology transfer and market access

CMFRI supported the enterprises through technology transfer, practical training, and entrepreneurial guidance. Market linkages were facilitated via its Agricultural Technology Information Centre and Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

'The initiative helped women move beyond traditional livelihood roles to become producers, skilled service providers and business owners in the fisheries value chain,' said Dr Vipinkumar.

CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George described the STI Hub as a replicable model for driving inclusive growth in the fisheries sector nationwide. He noted that the project demonstrated how scientific knowledge could be channelled into tangible economic opportunities for coastal communities.

Women Farmers' Day event in Kodungallur

CMFRI will mark Women Farmers' Day on Thursday at the farm of Dr Akhilamol in Kodungallur, a national award-winning entrepreneur and beneficiary of the STI Hub. The event will spotlight the achievements of women who have built sustainable livelihoods through fisheries-based enterprises. The Kodungallur gathering is being seen as an opportunity to document and publicise replicable success stories from the initiative.