Matsya Shakthi project aims to transform coastal minority communities

Kochi: Matsya Shakthi project aims to transform coastal minority communities through skill development, leadership training and fisheries-based livelihood technologies, said Union minister of state for fisheries, animal husbandry & dairying and minority affairs George Kurian on Wednesday.He was inaugurating the training-cum-awareness programme under Matsya Shakthi project at Vizhinjam regional centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).He presented certificates to those who completed the training in Phase I. The project is implemented through the flagship Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme of ministry of minority affairs, govt of India.Kurian said the project targets 690 beneficiaries, making it one of the largest capacity-building initiatives for minority fisher communities in Thiruvananthapuram. "It reflects Centre's commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods," he added.Under the programme, 90 participants are being trained as fishery hatchery production workers through a 40-day course covering broodstock management, artificial breeding, larval rearing, feed and water quality management, hatchery hygiene and biosecurity.Another 180 beneficiaries will be trained in cage culture fish farming, focusing on sustainable mariculture practices. In addition, 420 women will undergo exclusive leadership development training, including communication skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, awareness of govt schemes and collective action.The minister interacted with trainees and urged them to emerge as entrepreneurs and community leaders.He also distributed fish seeds of Giant Trevally, a high-value edible species, and Bluefin Watchman Goby, an ornamental fish, to farmers and released two brochures on the species.