This programme is dedicated to uplifting the lives of 1,500 small-scale fisher households across the six coastal villages of Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu which was launched during October 2024, with the support of Azim Premji Foundation.
It addresses several critical vulnerabilities faced by small-scale fishers, including:
Decline in Fishery Resources: Over-exploitation of fish stocks due to unsustainable fishing practices compounded by pollution, has led to a significant decline in available marine resources.
Degradation of Coastal Ecosystems: Severe damage to vital coastal ecosystems, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, disrupts marine life and reduces fishery productivity.
Economic Hardship: The mechanization of the fishing sector forces small-scale fishers to venture further from traditional fishing grounds, increasing their costs and reducing their catch, leading to poverty and indebtedness.
Social and Technological Disparities: Limited access to modern fishing technologies, low levels of awareness, and inadequate technical training exacerbate the challenges faced by marginalized fishers. Socially dominant fishers benefit from technological advancements, while those lacking power struggle with outdated methods and poor guidance.
The proposed program aims to:
Enhance Livelihood Security: By providing technology upgrades such as GPS, walkie-talkies, and troubleshooting toolkits, the program will improve fishing efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Revive Coastal Ecosystems: Initiatives to enhance biodiversity and restore coastal environments will help rebuild fishery resources, supporting sustainable fishing practices.
Improve Product Quality: The use of solar fish dryers and ice boxes will enhance the quality of fish products, increasing market value and profitability.
Strengthen Networks: Building linkages across the fisheries value chain will provide fishers with better access to knowledge, information, credit, and market opportunities, thereby improving their overall economic resilience.
With a focus on long-term sustainability, the initiative works closely with local communities guided by the principles of inclusion, resilience, and environmental care, this initiative blends traditional knowledge with modern tools to secure a dignified and sustainable future for Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities
