About the Beneficiary Community
With roots tracing back to Africa and centuries of history in India, the “Siddi’’ community of Gujarat represents a rare blend of cultures. Known for their vibrant traditions, rich artistic heritage, and close connection with nature, the Siddis are an enduring symbol of India’s cultural diversity. Living in close proximity to Gujarat’s coastline, the Siddi community has historically depended on the sea for their daily livelihoods. Marine resources, coastal fishing, and ocean-based activities form the backbone of their subsistence economy, making the sea not just a resource but a way of life passed down through generations.
Challenges Faced by the Tribe
- Limited access to education and skill development opportunities
- Limited access to modern technology and structured opportunities and limited exposure to science and technology-based interventions
- Socio-economic marginalization despite resilience and inherent capabilities
- Constrained socio-economic advancement due to lack of sustainable livelihood opportunities and restricted access to financial institutions and credit facilities
- Absence of a structured platform for commercialization of indigenous skills and knowledge. Lack of market linkages and enterprise development support
About the Hub
The DST-STI Hub at the Veraval Regional Station of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Gujarat was established under the project titled “Establishment of STI hub for Primitive Siddi Adivasi Tribes of Gujarat for Socio-Economic Upliftment Through Mariculture Entrepreneurship”, inaugurated on 22 August 2025 by Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR. Funded by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, with a budget outlay of Rupees 2,93,72,489/-, this hub represents the nation’s first specialized platform focused on bridging traditional coastal knowledge with modern mariculture innovations for the Siddi tribes. The primary objective of the Hub is to empower the socio-economically marginalized and historically distinct Siddi tribal community settled along the Gujarat coastline. Integrating science-backed methodologies with indigenous skillsets, this initiative establishes an inclusive, sustainable framework for technical capacity building, enterprise advancement, and gender-inclusive community resilience.
