The project is implemented in Gir Somnath District, Gujarat, with the Hub located within 13 km of Gir Somnath, Talala Taluka-home to the highest concentration of Siddi community members in Gujarat. The Siddi beneficiaries residing in the vicinity of this institution have a proven track record in fisheries-related activities, supported through various interventions by the Institute over the years. Beneficiary engagement was driven through baseline surveys and village-level interactions, with selection based on interest, traditional skills, and socio-economic background. Priority was given to women and youth to ensure inclusive participation and long-term socio-economic empowerment.
Building on this outreach, the STI Hub implemented three structured hands-on training programmes and one awareness programme, complemented by seven door-to-door awareness campaigns, to strengthen community outreach and engagement.
A) Awareness-cum-Hands-on Training Programme on “Mariculture Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, and Sustainable Livelihood”
Date: 18 February 2026
Venue: ICAR-CMFRI, Veraval Regional Station
Participants: 21 (14 male, 7 female) from Jambur, Talala Taluka and Veraval
The programme brought together distinguished scientists and experts from ICAR-CMFRI and allied institutions through both physical and virtual modes. Expert lectures covered sea cage farming, seaweed cultivation, IMTA, bivalve farming, ornamental fish culture, biofloc technology, crustacean mariculture, and lobster and mud crab fattening. Hands-on demonstrations were conducted on the Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), and on seaweed identification, cultivation, and outdoor tank systems for seed rearing. Sea cage and seaweed culture models were also demonstrated through visual presentations. The training significantly improved participants’ practical knowledge, technical skills, and confidence in adopting mariculture-based livelihoods.
B) Hands-on Training and Skill Development Programme on “Open Sea Cage: Design and Construction”
Date: 7 March 2026
Venue: DST Hub, ICAR-CMFRI, Veraval Regional Station
Participants: 17 (10 male, 7 female)
The programme focused on monoline and net-tube seaweed cultivation techniques, routine farm maintenance, and scientific harvesting methods, emphasizing experiential learning for field-level understanding. Interactive expert sessions allowed participants to clarify doubts and gain exposure to best practices in seaweed and cage farming.
C) Hands-on Training and Skill Development Programme on “Seaweed Farming Practices”
Date: 18 March 2026
Venue: ICAR-CMFRI, Veraval Regional Station
Participants: 10 (from Jambur, Talala Taluka and Bhalka, Veraval)
The training focused on framework development using galvanized iron (GI) pipes, structural specifications, stability considerations, walkway systems, buoyancy arrangements, floaters, and multi-layered net systems. The concept of IMTA and secure mooring systems for anchoring in varying sea conditions were also covered. Hasam Bhai Musangara, Community Coordinator and President of Bharat Adim Juth Matsyadhyog Sahkari Mandali, Talala Taluka, interacted with trainees, linking scientific approaches with traditional knowledge. The programme promoted adoption of sea cage-based mariculture as a sustainable livelihood option.
D) Awareness Programme on “Advanced Mariculture Technologies”
Date: 25 August 2025
Venue: STI Hub, ICAR-CMFRI, Veraval Regional Station
Participants: 22 (8 male, 14 female) - selected Siddi community members
Key interactions included guidance on technical and financial support mechanisms for mariculture enterprises by DDG (Fisheries), ICAR; briefing on export opportunities and quality standards by officials from MPEDA and Export Inspection Agency; insights on coastal safety and sustainable marine resource utilization by the Indian Coast Guard; and an overview of ICAR-developed technologies by the Director of ICAR-CMFRI and CIFT. The programme served as a platform for knowledge dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and promotion of mariculture as a sustainable livelihood option for Siddi community.
E) Door-to-Door Awareness Programme on “Mariculture Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Development”
Duration: 7 days
Villages Covered: Jambur, Madhavpur, and surrounding Siddi settlements Beneficiaries Covered: 255 (153 women, 102 men)
The campaign aimed to strengthen community engagement, assess interest levels, facilitate knowledge exchange, and identify location-specific constraints. IEC materials including short videos, bilingual pamphlets, and photographs of mariculture activities were demonstrated directly to community members, followed by structured interactive discussions. Additionally, 87 meetings were conducted with Siddi community members at the STI Hub to coordinate training activities and strengthen overall community participation.
