The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Cochin in collaboration with Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) distributed driers to fisherwomen members of SEWA in a formal function held at Elamkunnappuzha, Ernakulam district on 8 August, 2017. Three fish driers were handed over to SEWA under a formal MoA signed by ICAR-CIFT and SEWA. The distribution of the driers as part of ‘Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav’ programme was  inaugurated by Dr. C.N. Ravishankar, Director, ICAR-CIFT in the presence of Smt. Razia Jamal, Vice President, Elamkunnappuzha Panchayath. Smt. Sonia George, National Secretary, SEWA welcomed the gathering and briefed about the activities of SEWA. Dr. C.N. Ravishankar in his inaugural address emphasized that technologies from ICAR-CIFT can be utilized for employment and income generation of fisherwomen and since SEWA is an organization of economically backward, self employed women workers, who earn their living through their own labour or small businesses, the distribution of driers of 15 kg capacity to three fisherwomen group of eight members was a step in equipping them to enhance their income by assisting them to make quality dried products. In her felicitation address, Smt. Razia Jamal mentioned that this is the first time any such venture is being undertaken in her Panchayath, which is one of the most thickly populated ones and wished the venture all success. Dr. Nikita Gopal, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFT and Coordinator of the programme spoke on the association that ICAR-CIFT has had with organizations like SEWA and stressed on the need to maintain the intra-group cooperation for the success of the enterprise. Dr. J. Bindu, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFT explained the importance of quality aspects and importance of safe dried products for sale in the markets. Dr. Manoj P. Samuel, Head, Engineering Division, ICAR-CIDT spoke on the technical aspects of the drier and its applications in other areas too. A demonstration of the operation of the drier and drying of prawns was followed which was coordinated by Dr. J. Bindu with the assistance of Dr. S. Murali and Dr. D.S. Aniesrani Delfiya, Scientists, ICAR-CIFT. The operation of the drier, installation of the blower, quality details of fish and prawns, handling and laying of prawns on trays prior to drying etc. were explained.The beneficiaries of the programme were long standing members of SEWA who have been engaged in traditional fish and prawn drying and are traditional fisherfolk. A total of 50 members from different units of SEWA in Ernakulam attended the function.