Posted On:
06 NOV 2026 6:37PM by PIB Thiruvananthpuram
Kochi: The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, organised a state-level workshop titled “PM-MKSSY: Unlocking Business Opportunities in Fisheries” at its auditorium in Kochi on November 6, 2026. The workshop aimed to promote entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector by addressing key gaps in technology adoption, value addition and institutional finance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY). The programme was designed to benefit 65 selected fishery entrepreneurs from Kerala through technical training, guidance on credit linkages and support in project formulation.
Sri Nagesh Anumala, Chief General Manager, NABARD, inaugurated the workshop and delivered the inaugural address. He highlighted the importance of institutional support and financial assistance in strengthening fisheries-based enterprises and promoting entrepreneurship in the sector. Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, presided over the inaugural function.
Dr. Ashaletha S., Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFT, delivered the welcome address. Dr. Dinesh Kaippilly, Registrar, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS); Sri Muraleedharan, Organising Secretary, Kisan Samridhi; and Dr. P. Vivekanandan, Director, BLUEPEARL FFPO, Kodungallur, also addressed the gathering.
The workshop was organised in collaboration with BLUEPEARL Fish Farmer Producer Organisation (FFPO), Kodungallur, the major partner in the programme and a Producer Organisation Promoting Institution (POPI) supported by ICAR-CIFT. BLUEPEARL FFPO plays an important role in encouraging fish farmers to become entrepreneurs through value addition and the establishment of fisheries-based enterprises, with technical support from institutions such as ICAR-CIFT. The initiative also seeks to strengthen stakeholder participation and create greater awareness of emerging technologies, business models and government funding opportunities.
The technical sessions covered various aspects of fisheries entrepreneurship and financial support schemes. Representatives of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) provided an overview of PM-MKSSY and its support mechanisms. Banking representatives conducted a session on institutional credit support.
An interactive session on registration through the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) and the application procedures under PM-MKSSY was organised in the afternoon to facilitate entrepreneurs in accessing the benefits of the scheme.
The workshop provided a platform for fishery entrepreneurs to interact with technical institutions, financial agencies and other stakeholders, with the aim of translating opportunities in the fisheries sector into viable business enterprises.
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