George Kurian Launches ‘Matsya Shakti’ to Empower Minority Fishermen in Kerala.
Goverment Scheme
In August 2025, Union Minister of State (MoS) George Kurian, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), and Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), launched the “Matsya Shakti” project in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The year-long initiative aims to empower minority fisherman communities through training, skill development, and entrepreneurship support.
- The project is being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, ensuring livelihood enhancement and sustainable fisheries practices for marginalized groups.
- The project’s implementation involves a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI). ICAR-CMFRI’s Vizhinjam Regional Centre in Kerala will carry out the scheme at the ground level.
Main Point :- (i) A structured one-year training programme will train 690 candidates from minority communities. The programme will focus on building domain knowledge, entrepreneurship, and fisheries-related skills, thereby boosting employability and self-reliance.
(ii) Out of the 690 selected participants, 270 will be trained in non-traditional fisheries-based skills, including 90 in Fish Hatchery Production and 180 in Basics of Cage Culture Fish Farming. This diversification aims to strengthen modern aquaculture practices in Kerala.
(iii) Additionally, 420 women candidates will undergo leadership and entrepreneurship programmes, enabling them to establish and manage enterprises. All trainees will receive stipends during the training period, ensuring financial support and inclusivity.
About Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI)
Director : Dr. Grinson George
Headquarters : Kochi (Kerala)
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