Union Minister inaugurates the project jointly implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and ICAR-CMFRI
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (KERALA), AUGUST 28, 2028: Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, George Kurian, inaugurated the “Matsya Shakti” project, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). The project comes under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said that the primary objective of the Matsya Shakti project is to foster entrepreneurship among the fishing community. He added that the programme encompasses three training modules, which are, fish production, aquaculture, and women’s leadership development. Special focus will be given to life skills training for women, thereby enhancing their self-confidence.
Highlighting the opportunities available, Shri Kurian noted that the formation of fish farmer – producer organisations will attract financial support from the central government. He further clarified that only genuine fishing communities will be included in the scheme. He urged beneficiaries to transition from being job seekers to becoming job creators.
Union Minister assured that participants who complete the training will receive assistance to establish their own enterprises and start-ups. The initiative, he said, is designed to uplift the living standards of fisherfolk families, create employment opportunities, and ensure better wages. Training will also focus on equipping participants to adopt modern technologies in fisheries. The skills imparted will enable beneficiaries not only to access various government schemes but also to emerge as consultants in the fisheries sector.
The Minister emphasized that while the programme primarily targets minority communities, 15–25% of participants from majority communities will also be included. He further urged all fisherfolk to register on the National Fisheries Digital Platform, which will serve as the basis for availing future benefits in the fisheries sector.
On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for implementing the project was signed between Shri Ankur Yadav, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and Dr. Grinson George, Director, CMFRI. The Minister also handed over ornamental fish varieties developed by CMFRI to local farmers. Participants trained in crafting jewellery from fish otoliths (ear bones) presented their creations to the Minister. Brochures detailing fish farming and jewellery-making ventures were also released during the ceremony. Dr. Surya S., Senior Scientist at ICAR-CMFRI, briefed the gathering about the Matsya Shakti initiative. Senior officials including Dr. S. Kannappan, Senior Executive Director, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), and Dr. Santosh B., Principal Scientist and Head of ICAR-CMFRI, Vizhinjam, were present at the event.
Background
The Matsya Shakti project is being implemented under the PM VIKAS scheme, a national initiative of the Ministry of Minority Affairs that integrates skill development and educational programmes for the upliftment of minority communities across India.
As part of the project, 690 individuals from minority groups will undergo training facilitated by ICAR-CMFRI. The programme is designed to enhance participants’ technical knowledge and entrepreneurial competencies, thereby aligning with the broader PM VIKAS vision of empowering minority communities through education, skills, and enterprise promotion.
The year-long training will be conducted in phased modules focused on the fisheries sector. Participants will be trained in food and ornamental fish technologies developed by CMFRI, including cage culture, seed production, artificial breeding, oyster culture, and seaweed farming.
Out of 690 trainees, 270 will be trained in non-traditional, fisheries-based skills, 90 in fish processing and production, and 180 in cage aquaculture fundamentals. These specialised skills are expected to significantly enhance self-employment opportunities, contributing to the socio-economic empowerment of fisherfolk.
In addition, 420 women will be trained in leadership and entrepreneurship development, equipping them to establish and manage independent ventures. All participants will receive stipends during the training period. The programme also provides handholding support for self-employment opportunities beyond skill development.
With its proven expertise in research, innovation, and incubation in the marine fisheries sector, ICAR-CMFRI will serve as the nodal implementing agency, offering training and mentoring support.
The Matsya Shakti initiative stands as one among several flagship projects under PM VIKAS, designed to enhance livelihood opportunities, improve skills, and promote entrepreneurship for the social and economic progress of minority communities across the nation.
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