ACHIEVEMENTS 

The STI Hub project has made significant contributions to the socio-economic empowerment and livelihood improvement of Scheduled Caste (SC) fisherfolk through the promotion of sustainable, technology-driven fisheries and aquaculture-based enterprises. The project directly covered a total of 469 beneficiaries, comprising 243 males, 220 females and 6 transgenders, demonstrating substantial participation by women in livelihood development activities. In addition, approximately 2,500 people indirectly benefited from the facilities and resources created under the project. Through 84 interventions covering 12 location-specific, technically feasible, and economically viable technologies, the project promoted livelihood diversification, self-employment, enterprise development, and improved resource utilisation. The interventions included cage culture, pearl spot seed production, fish culture, ornamental fish culture, fish vending, dry fish production, integrated fish farming, fish fertilizer production, value-added fish products, mussel culture, oyster culture, and clam processing. These activities contributed to an estimated 30–35% increase in household income among beneficiary families, strengthening their economic security and improving their living standards. Infrastructure of the institute was developed by refurbishing the structure in ATIC as fully digitised STI Hub Entrepreneurial Consultancy Cell, Entrepreneurial Technology cell with state-of-the-art smart class facility, Mobile training unit with lab facilities, Cafeteria of technologies with interactive digital display units. Capacity-building initiatives comprising 141 training programmes and demonstration sessions, implemented through a structured three-tier training approach with technical support from the KVK of CMFRI and partner agencies, enhanced the technical knowledge, practical skills, and entrepreneurial capabilities of the beneficiaries. The project also encouraged livelihood diversification beyond conventional fishing activities by promoting cage fabrication, aquarium technology and maintenance, duck rearing, poultry farming, cattle farming, horticulture, biofertilizer and fish manure production, fish seed and broodstock distribution, fish marketing, and fish-based value addition. Furthermore, the interventions improved the availability of fish and shellfish resources through cage culture, fish culture, pearl spot seed production, ornamental fish culture, oyster culture, and mussel culture, thereby supporting production, resource enhancement, and alternative income generation. The project also generated positive environmental outcomes through stock enhancement using fish seed production and the productive utilisation of fish waste for fish fertilizer and manure production, which helped reduce waste and promote resource recycling. Cage culture facilitated the efficient use of natural water resources and supported higher fish production within a limited area when managed appropriately. During peak fishing seasons, the surplus catch could be utilised for dry fish production and the preparation of value-added fish products, helping minimise post-harvest losses, extend product shelf life, and improve market opportunities. The formation and strengthening of SHGs fostered collective participation, social mobilisation, mutual support, and women's empowerment, while institutional linkages with government departments and financial institutions helped facilitate access to credit, livelihood entitlements, and other resources. Collaboration with the ATIC of CMFRI and the KVK also created opportunities to strengthen marketing support and promote SHG products through practical sales outlets, enhancing the potential for enterprise sustainability beyond the period of DST project support. Overall, the STI Hub project demonstrated measurable achievements in beneficiary outreach, income enhancement, livelihood diversification, capacity building, employment generation, and the promotion of environmentally responsible fisheries practices. By integrating scientific technologies, community participation, institutional convergence, and market-oriented enterprise development, the project established a foundation for sustainable livelihoods, improved socio-economic resilience, and the wider replication of successful fisheries-based micro-enterprises among disadvantaged fishing communities.