CMFRI’s STI hub helps set up 84 micro-enterprises in eight districts

The STI hub, set up by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, focuses on providing technical assistance and market linkages to small‑scale fishers and related entrepreneurs. Operating in eight districts along the coast, the hub offers training, access to credit and guidance on sustainable practices. Its goal is to turn traditional fishing activities into viable small businesses that can compete in modern markets.

Since its launch, the hub has assisted 84 micro‑enterprises, directly reaching 469 individuals. Among them are 220 women and six transpersons, groups that often face barriers to formal employment. Beneficiaries report that their household earnings have risen by between 30 and 35 percent, thanks to improved product quality, better pricing, and new sales channels. The institute tracks progress through regular surveys and provides ongoing mentorship to ensure long‑term stability.

For Indian readers, the initiative demonstrates how targeted support can transform coastal economies and reduce poverty in fishing communities. By creating jobs and increasing incomes, the program contributes to food security and helps preserve marine resources through responsible practices. The success of the hub may inspire similar models in other states with large fishing populations, reinforcing the importance of science‑based interventions in rural development.