Women-empowerment under TSP at Veraval

Technology transfer and Women-empowerment through skill development programme

Under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) of ICAR-CIFT, Veraval Regional Centre has handed over six FRP canoes to the tribal fisherfolk of Ukai, Gujarat. The canoe is specifically designed by ICAR-CIFT for responsible fishing in reservoir. The canoes are of light weight, durable, easy to operate and can be used for different kinds of gears such as cast net, gillnet etc. The canoes will be helpful to the fishermen involved in subsistence fishery in reservoir. Along with the technology transfer, Scientists from the Centre has organized training cum skill development programme for tribal fisher women residing around Ukai Dam. The training dealt with the development of value added products from locally available fishes. About 70 tribal fisherfolk participated in the programme conducted during 2-3 July, 2015 in Association with Department of Fisheries, Govt of Gujarat.

The function was officially inaugurated by Shri Ratan Ahir, Member of Taluk Panchayat Committee, Songadh. Shri N.F. Patel, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Dept. of Fisheries, Surat, Gujarat presided over the function. Shri Sameer Bhai, Aassistant Superintend of Fisheries, Ukai Fisheries Station, Dr. D. Divu, Scientist, ICAR-CMFRI, Veraval, Shri Bhamatiya Bhai, President, Tribal Fishermen Society, Ukai, Smt. S. Remya, and Smt. VRenuka, Scientists, ICAR-CIFT, Veraval offered felicitations. Dr. G.K. Sivaraman, Scientist-Incharge of the Centre welcomed the gathering while Dr. K.K. Prajith, Scientist, proposed vote of thanks.

Six FRP canoes fabricated specially for the reservoir fishing by the Institute was handed over to the tribal fishermen of Shri Tokarwa  Vibhag Matsyodyog Sahakari Mandali Ltd., Uchal, Tapi and  Shri Songadh Taluka Matsyodyog Sahakari Mandali Ltd., Ukai, Serula, Tapi by the dignitaries. In the Technical Session that followed, Dr. Prajith, Scientist,  Shri J.B. Paradva and Shri H.V Pungera, Technical Officers conducted the demonstration on fabrication of improved gillnets, rigging details etc. Importance and need of responsible fishing techniques was narrated with special reference to reservoir fisheries. Twenty five fishermen from two tribal fishermen societies attended the training programme. During the programme, nylon multifilament nets (150mm, 120mm mesh sizes), PP ropes (4mm), plastic floats and cement sinkers were distributed. Each Fishermen Society received material of about 10 kg nets and 4 kg ropes.

On the second day, a training programme on preparation of value added fishery products was conducted. About 43 tribal fisherwomen actively participated in the programme. Preparation of fish pickle, fish ball, fish cutlet etc. from freshwater fishes was demonstrated by Smt. Remya and Smt. Renuka. Smt. V. Susmitha, Shri K. Ajeesh, Shri Yogesh Kripalani, Technical Assistants and Smt. Pushpa Chudasma, Skilled Support Staff assisted in demonstration and preparation of products. Scientists also explained the basics of various aspects of best post harvest practices and hygienic handling of fish and fishery products for quality improvement.

Shri Ratan Ahir inaugurating the programme

Distribution of fishing gear materials to the fishermen

Demonstration of preparation of value added fishery products (Fish pickle, fish ball and Fish cutlet)