CMFRI Helps 220 Coastal Women Become Fisheries Entrepreneurs

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Thursday, 15 October 2026

A science-based initiative by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is helping coastal women establish income-generating ventures in fish farming, ornamental aquaculture and seafood value addition. The program aims to strengthen livelihoods and encourage entrepreneurship among coastal communities.

Through its Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub, CMFRI has supported 84 micro-enterprises across eight districts of Kerala from 2022 to 2026. The initiative focuses on expanding livelihood opportunities and enabling beneficiaries to diversify their sources of income.

According to Vipinkumar V.P., Principal Scientist, the project has directly benefited 469 people, including 220 women and six transgender persons, while approximately 2,500 others are expected to benefit indirectly. An impact assessment found that household incomes among beneficiaries increased by 30–35 per cent. The STI Hub also conducted 141 training programs to enhance participants’ technical knowledge and entrepreneurial capabilities.

Key Highlights:

• CMFRI supported 84 micro-enterprises across eight Kerala districts
• The initiative benefited 469 people and increased household incomes by 30–35 per cent
• Training and business support helped coastal women become fisheries entrepreneurs

The enterprises include cage culture, pearl spot seed production, ornamental fish culture, integrated fish farming, mussel and oyster farming, clam units, value added fish production and fish vending/dry fish production units. This program assisted women to transcend their traditional roles as livelihood providers to now become producers, skilled service providers and business owners in the fisheries value chain, he said.

Many beneficiaries became proficient in various enterprises of the fisheries sector such as cage making, aquarium technology, integrated farming, distribution of seeds and broodstock.

Agricultural Technology Information Centre and Krishi Vigyan Kendra of CMFRI facilitated access to agricultural technologies, hands-on training and entrepreneurial guidance and market linkages.

“The STI Hub demonstrates how scientific interventions can translate into tangible economic opportunities. The initiative offers a replicable model for empowering women and promoting inclusive growth in the fisheries sector,” said Grinson George, Director, CMFRI.

The focus of this initiative was to create a socio-economic benefit to the coastal communities with subsistence incomes and low livelihood options. The project has helped to diversify livelihoods and foster entrepreneurship in fisheries, he said, by addressing missing components in the chain of access to finance, technical knowledge and essential infrastructure.

On Thursday, CMFRI will be celebrating Women Farmers' Day at the farm of Akhilamol who is a national award-winning entrepreneur and a beneficiary of STI Hub project in Kodungallur. The event will highlight the success of women entrepreneurs and beneficiaries will share their success stories and experiences in fisheries-based enterprises.