Matsya Shakthi Project Launched in Kochi to Empower Coastal Minority Communities
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs, George Kurian, inaugurated the Matsya Shakthi project in Kochi on Wednesday. The initiative aims to transform coastal minority communities through comprehensive skill development, leadership training, and advanced fisheries-based livelihood technologies.
Inauguration and Implementation Details
Minister Kurian inaugurated the training-cum-awareness programme under the Matsya Shakthi project at the Vizhinjam regional centre of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). During the event, he presented certificates to participants who successfully completed the training in Phase I. The project is being implemented through the flagship Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.
Kurian emphasized that the project targets 690 beneficiaries, making it one of the largest capacity-building initiatives for minority fisher communities in Thiruvananthapuram. He stated, "This initiative reflects the Centre's unwavering commitment to inclusive growth and the creation of sustainable livelihoods for all sections of society."
Comprehensive Training Modules
The Matsya Shakthi project encompasses a diverse range of training programmes designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge:
- Fishery Hatchery Production Workers: A total of 90 participants are undergoing a 40-day intensive course covering broodstock management, artificial breeding techniques, larval rearing, feed and water quality management, hatchery hygiene, and biosecurity protocols.
- Cage Culture Fish Farming: Another 180 beneficiaries will receive training in sustainable mariculture practices, focusing on cage culture fish farming methods that promote environmental conservation and economic viability.
- Leadership Development for Women: An exclusive leadership development training programme will empower 420 women from coastal communities. This module includes communication skills enhancement, financial literacy, entrepreneurship development, awareness of government schemes, and strategies for collective action.
Minister's Interaction and Additional Initiatives
During his visit, Minister Kurian actively interacted with the trainees, encouraging them to emerge as successful entrepreneurs and influential community leaders. He underscored the importance of leveraging the acquired skills to drive positive change within their communities.
In a significant move to support local aquaculture, the minister distributed fish seeds of two high-value species to farmers. These included the Giant Trevally, a prized edible fish, and the Bluefin Watchman Goby, a popular ornamental fish. Additionally, he released two informative brochures detailing the cultivation and management of these species, providing valuable resources for the beneficiaries.
The Matsya Shakthi project represents a holistic approach to community development, combining technical training with leadership empowerment to foster sustainable economic growth and social upliftment among coastal minority populations.
