The CMFRI STI Center is helping to establish 84 micro-enterprises in eight districts

One of the entrepreneurs supported by the Center for Science, Technology and Innovation of the Marine Fisheries Research Center. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Center for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) of the Center for Marine Fisheries Research (CMFRI) has helped set up 84 micro-enterprises in eight districts of Kerala between 2022 and 2026, the release said.

The initiative was part of efforts to improve livelihoods and create opportunities for income diversification. The project directly benefited 469 people, including 220 women and six transgender people.

The projects were led by Vipinkumar VP, Principal Scientist.

Beneficiary household incomes increased by 30% to 35%. The initiative has also helped women transcend traditional life roles to become producers, skilled service providers and business owners in the fisheries value chain, according to the release.

Businesses included cage fish farming, pearl seed production, ornamental fish farming, integrated fish farming, mussel and oyster farming and clam farming along with fisheries value addition, fish marketing and dry fish production.

Published – 14 Oct 2026 21:57 IST