In a significant effort to enhance the capabilities of fisheries cooperatives in Maharashtra, VAMNICOM, in collaboration with ICAR CIFE, conducted a series of scale-up outreach programs from October 11 to October 13, 2024.
The initiative aimed to disseminate key initiatives from the Ministry of Cooperation (GOI) to strengthen fisheries cooperatives across the Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Mumbai districts.
The program commenced at the Thane District Fisheries Cooperative Federation, where faculty members from VAMNICOM and ICAR CIFE engaged with over 70 Board of Directors representing 34 fisheries cooperative societies across the four districts: Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar.
Participants were informed about major government cooperative initiatives, including the Mastya Sampadha Yojana and the Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, designed to bolster the fishing sector and support cooperative development.
A highlight of the outreach occurred at the Arnala Fisheries Multipurpose Cooperative Society, where over 400 stakeholders from the fisheries community participated. The sensitization program provided vital insights into recent initiatives like the MPACS, fostering a greater understanding of opportunities available to cooperative members.
Similar outreach programs were successfully conducted at other key locations, including: Marol Bazar Masli Vikreta Koli Mahila Sanstha, Koliwada, Mumbai: An internationally recognized women’s cooperative focused on dry fish marketing and the market value chain, managed by women fish cooperatives.
Versoa Fisheries Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Versoa, Mumbai: This cooperative also benefited from the information shared during the outreach.
These programs not only equipped stakeholders with essential knowledge and tools to enhance their operations but also fostered collaboration among cooperatives, promoting a unified approach to growth and sustainability in the fisheries sector.
The outreach initiative stands as a testament to the commitment of VAMNICOM, ICAR CIFE, and the Ministry of Cooperation to empower local fisheries cooperatives, ensuring they thrive in a competitive market while contributing to the socio-economic development of their communities.
