Thiruvananthapuram: In a major boost to Kerala’s fishing communities, the Central Government has launched ‘Matsya Shakthi’, a programme aimed at transforming the lives of nearly 700 minority fisher families in Thiruvananthapuram through skill training and entrepreneurship support.

The initiative, inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Minority Affairs, George Kurian, is being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme. It will be executed by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) through its Vizhinjam Regional Centre.

Structured as a one-year training programme with multiple phases, Matsya Shakthi will provide hands-on training in advanced fisheries practices such as cage fish farming, seed production through artificial breeding, pearl and oyster farming, and seaweed cultivation. These modern techniques are expected to not only increase productivity but also create new income streams for fisher families.

Highlighting the long-term impact, Minister Kurian said the scheme is designed to go beyond skill enhancement. “Those completing the training will receive support to start businesses and work as consultants in the fisheries sector. This will help them earn better wages, diversify livelihoods, and ensure improved quality of life,” he noted.

A special focus of the programme will be on empowering women in fishing communities. Tailored training modules will promote women’s leadership and entrepreneurship, enabling them to play a more active role in both family income and community development.

Officials said that by combining technology with entrepreneurship, the project seeks to transform traditional fisher communities into sustainable, self-reliant stakeholders in Kerala’s blue economy.

Senior experts from CMFRI, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the National Fisheries Development Board attended the launch and pledged full support for the successful rollout of the scheme.