1.  About the Fisheries Forum

  • The Fisheries Forum of the Archdiocese of Verapoly is a collective initiative under the Ernakulam Social Service Society (ESSS).

2.  Vision

  • To ensure safe food and economic prosperity through the sustainable development of fisheries, aquaculture and allied sectors.

3.  Mission

  • Provide technical support for fishers and farmers to boost income.
  • Promote sustainable and innovative fishing and farming practices.
  • Offer skill training for start-ups in fish value addition.
  • Develop networks for marketing fish products.
  • Improve welfare of fishers, farmers and coastal families.
  • Empower coastal women for livelihood.
  • Create jobs for persons with disabilities in coastal areas.
  • Introduce youth to fisheries careers and research.
  • Connect fishers and farmers to government schemes and opportunities.

4.  Core Activities

  • Comprehensive data collection of all individuals involved in the fisheries sector within the Archdiocese.
  • Conduct skill development training in collaboration with Universities and local self- government bodies for value-added fish products.

Empowering Coastal Communities: Capacity Building on Entrepreneurship in Value-Added Fishery Products

  • Total Beneficiaries: 400 participants, including fishers, fish farmers, women’s groups, SHGs, start-ups, unemployed youth, and students.
  • Training Locations: Vypeen, Varapuzha, Chellanam, Kalamassery, and Ernakulam.
  • Core Objective: To nurture new entrepreneurs and strengthen existing ones in the fisheries sector.
  • Hands-On Training: Practical sessions on the preparation of value-added fishery products.
  • Theoretical Coverage: Topics included hygienic fish handling, nutritional significance, labeling, licensing, certification, and marketing.

5.  Other Activities

  • Form and support SHGs and Fish Producer Organizations (FPOs).
  • Guide educated, unemployed youth in fisheries careers.
  • Organize ongoing skill development programs.
  • Conduct women empowerment and disability inclusion programs.
  • Provide incubation, mentoring, and technical support for start-ups.
  • Promote sustainable practices in fisheries and aquaculture.
  • Develop market linkages for fish and fishery products.
  • Facilitate access to government schemes and welfare programs.
  • Collaborate with universities, LSGs, and government institutions.
  • Leverage CSR, NGO, and external funding support.
  • Host exhibitions and awareness campaigns on innovations.
  1. Advisory Board
  2. Rev. Dr. Antony Sijan Manuveliparambil (Director, ESSS)
  3. Rev. Fr. Roshan Raphael Neissery (Assistant Director, ESSS)
  4. Dr. Ginson Joseph (Director, Centre of Excellence-Food Innovations and Start-up Hubs, CUSAT)
  5. Rev. Fr. Dominic Kanappilly (Parish Priest, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Thevakkal)
  6. Rev. Fr. Sabu Nedunilath (Priest-in-Charge, Vimalambika Church, Pallilamkara)

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  1. Working Group

  2. Mrs. Shaila (ESSS)
  3. Mrs Leena (Vypin, Kadapuram)
  4. Mrs. Sheela
  5. Mrs. Moly (Varapuzha)
  6. Mrs. Alphonsa (Arattuvazhy)
  7. Mr. Xavier (Arattuvazhy)