Union Government to Launch Scheme to Develop 200 Fish Product Entrepreneurs

Under the Central scheme 'One District, One Product,' the Puducherry government and the Karaikal administration seek to develop 200 entrepreneurs in the fish-based micro food processing business.

The scheme intends to stimulate the production of indigenous goods by MSMSEs and self-help groups (SHGs). Karaikal has recognised 'fish' as a source of value-added products such as dry fish that is "ready to cook," fish pasta, fish noodles, and "ready-to-eat" snacks. 

In order to implement the scheme, the Pondicherry Industrial Promotion Development and Investment Corporation Limited (PIPDIC), the Puducherry government's nodal agency, collaborated with the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute (PAJANCOA & RI) and the Rural Development Department in Karaikal. 

Expert hands-on training and a loan of up to Rs.10 lakh will be provided to the beneficiaries to establish their businesses. The Union Ministry would also give them with a 35% subsidy under PIPDIC, up to a maximum of Rs.3.5 lakh. 

"We would assist them in securing loans if they submit us a proposal on their business strategy and indicate their requirements," said Dr. A Sakthivel, the initiative's district nodal person. 

PAJANCOA & RI supports aspiring entrepreneurs with technical and training assistance. "We are proposing a 'State level upgradation plan' to the government regarding the infrastructure that is available, the infrastructure that is required, the rules that are in effect, the regulations that are essential, the challenges that schemes face, and the approach for overcoming those challenges. We also provide technical assistance and help them obtain certification for their products "Dr. A Pouchepparadjou, Head of PAJANCOA & RI's Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension in Karaikal, stated. 

T Mahesh Kumar, the rural development department's district anchorperson, said, "Self-help groups (SHGs) registered with the Block Development Office of the Rural Development Department under the National Rural Livelihood Mission are the primary beneficiaries of the 'One District, One Product' initiative in Karaikal's rural areas. So far, we've received 30 applications, and we've approved 17 of them. The rest is in the process."