THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 29 August 2025: George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Minority Affairs, on Thursday launched the Matsya Shakthi project to empower minority fisher families in Thiruvananthapuram district. Implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, the initiative will provide skill development and vocational training to around 700 families.
The programme, executed by the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) at its Vizhinjam Regional Centre, will run for a year in phased modules. Training will cover advanced practices in cage fish farming, artificial breeding, pearl and edible oyster culture, and seaweed cultivation.
Mr. Kurian said the project aimed at improving livelihoods by enabling participants to become entrepreneurs, beneficiaries of government schemes, and consultants in the fisheries sector. “This training will not only enhance employment prospects but also ensure better wages and improved living standards,” he said.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Minority Affairs and CMFRI for effective implementation. Special courses have also been designed for women, with a focus on leadership and entrepreneurship to promote their active participation in the sector.
The launch event was addressed by Dr. Grinson George, Director of CMFRI, Shri Ankur Yadav, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. S. Kannappan, Senior Executive Director of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), and other officials.
