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George Kurian Launches ‘Matsya Shakti’ to Empower Minority Fishermen in Kerala.

Goverment Scheme | Dated: 02 Sep 2025

In August 2025, Union Minister of State (MoS) George Kurian, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), and Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), launched the “Matsya Shakti” project in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The year-long initiative aims to empower minority fisherman communities through training, skill development, and entrepreneurship support.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The project is being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, ensuring livelihood enhancement and sustainable fisheries practices for marginalized groups.
  • - The project’s implementation involves a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI). ICAR-CMFRI’s Vizhinjam Regional Centre in Kerala will carry out the scheme at the ground level.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) A structured one-year training programme will train 690 candidates from minority communities. The programme will focus on building domain knowledge, entrepreneurship, and fisheries-related skills, thereby boosting employability and self-reliance.
  • (ii) Out of the 690 selected participants, 270 will be trained in non-traditional fisheries-based skills, including 90 in Fish Hatchery Production and 180 in Basics of Cage Culture Fish Farming. This diversification aims to strengthen modern aquaculture practices in Kerala.
  • (iii) Additionally, 420 women candidates will undergo leadership and entrepreneurship programmes, enabling them to establish and manage enterprises. All trainees will receive stipends during the training period, ensuring financial support and inclusivity.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Who recently launched the ‘Matsya Shakti’ project in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala?

Correct Answer: George Kurian

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI)

  • Director : Dr. Grinson George
  • Headquarters : Kochi (Kerala)