In a significant step towards empowering women and boosting fish consumption, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) will inaugurated the distribution of Mobile Fish Retail Outlets (MFROs) sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samrudhi Yojana (PMMSY) today and the Blue Revolution. The ceremony will take place at Praja Bhavan today.
Financial Support and Beneficiary Details:
The initiative, backed by the Indira Mahila Shakti programme, is facilitated by the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), which has arranged bank loans to cover the beneficiaries’ contribution.
- First Phase Allocation: 32 units (one per district) sanctioned.
- Unit Cost: ₹10.38 lakh, including fabrication.
- Subsidy: 60% per unit, amounting to ₹6 lakh.
Beneficiaries are Self-Help Group (SHG) women engaged in fish retail, selected by the District Fisheries Officer and District Rural Development Officer (DRDO) with approval from the respective District Collectors.
Features of Mobile Fish Retail Outlets:
Each unit is equipped for:
- Storage and sale of raw fish.
- Preparation and marketing of fish-based dishes.
- Operation in strategic locations like markets and public spaces.
Objective:
This initiative aims to:
- Empower Women: Provide sustainable income opportunities for SHG women.
- Promote Fish Consumption: Increase the accessibility and popularity of fish as a nutritious food choice across the State.
The MFROs are expected to significantly contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of rural communities while strengthening the fisheries sector.
