VIZHINJAM, 5 March 2026: George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs, inaugurated the training-cum-awareness programme under the Matsya Shakthi project at the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Wednesday.
Describing Matsya Shakthi as a comprehensive initiative, the Minister said the project aims to transform the lives of coastal minority communities through skill development, leadership training and fisheries-based livelihood technologies.
Largest Capacity-Building Drive in the District
The new phase of structured training and awareness activities was launched under the project, which began last year at the CMFRI Centre in Vizhinjam. Minister Kurian also presented certificates to participants who completed the first phase of training.
Implemented under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the project targets 690 beneficiaries, making it one of the largest capacity-building initiatives for minority fisher communities in the district.
The Minister said the initiative reflects the Centre’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihood generation in coastal regions.
Skill Development Across Fisheries Value Chain
Under the programme:
- 90 participants are undergoing a 40-day training course as fishery hatchery production workers, covering broodstock management, artificial breeding, larval rearing, feed and water quality management, hatchery hygiene and biosecurity.
- 180 beneficiaries will receive training in cage culture fish farming, with emphasis on sustainable mariculture practices.
- 420 women will participate in exclusive leadership development programmes, focusing on communication skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, awareness of government schemes and collective action.
- Minister Kurian interacted with the trainees and encouraged them to emerge as entrepreneurs and community leaders within their respective coastal communities.
Support for High-Value Species Cultivation
During the event, the Minister distributed fish seeds of Giant Trevally, a high-value edible species, and Bluefin Watchman Goby, an ornamental fish, to farmers. He also released two brochures detailing the commercial and aquaculture potential of the species.
Later, he visited the hatchery and other facilities at the Vizhinjam Regional Centre to review ongoing research and extension activities.
Senior officials including Dr. Santhosh B, Head of the Centre, Dr. Surya S, Senior Scientist, and Ambarish P. Gop, Scientist, addressed the gathering and highlighted the scientific and technical support being extended under the project.
