SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT IN IMPROVING THE LIVELIHOOD

The project played a significant role in improving the livelihoods and socio-economic status of Scheduled Caste (SC) fisherfolk by promoting sustainable, income-generating fisheries- and aquaculture-based micro-enterprises. Through the implementation of 84 interventions covering 12 location-specific technologies, the project created opportunities for livelihood diversification, employment generation, and increased household income. These interventions enabled beneficiaries to utilise locally available resources effectively and establish viable entrepreneurial activities. The project reported a minimum 30% increase in family income among beneficiary households, contributing to enhanced economic security and improved living standards. Furthermore, the project facilitated linkages with government departments and financial institutions to help entrepreneurs access credit facilities, livelihood entitlements, and other resources required for enterprise development and expansion. Appropriate human resource development (HRD) programmes were undertaken to strengthen the technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial capacities of the beneficiaries, thereby promoting self-reliance and the long-term sustainability of the enterprises. In collaboration with the Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) of CMFRI and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the project also envisaged providing marketing support through the sale of SHG-produced goods at the ATIC outlet. This platform would help promote the products developed by SHGs and individual entrepreneurs, facilitate market access, and strengthen the commercial viability of the enterprises beyond the period of DST project support. In addition, the formation and strengthening of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) fostered collective participation, mutual cooperation, social mobilisation, and access to technical knowledge and livelihood opportunities, particularly among women and other disadvantaged sections of the fishing community. Overall, the project adopted an integrated approach combining technology transfer, capacity building, institutional convergence, financial linkages, and market support to empower SC fisherfolk, strengthen their entrepreneurial capabilities, and ensure the sustainability of the livelihood interventions beyond the project period.