Empowering Women through CIFT Solar-Electric Backup Fish Dryers: Enhancing Livelihoods and Environmental Sustainability in the Coastal Districts of Nagapattinam and Puducherry

Abstract

The fisheries sector plays an important role in generating income and employment among the coastal population, especially for women from economically weaker sections of society. Skill development training on hygienic fish and shellfish drying using solar cum-electric backup dryer has the potential to facilitate self-employment, particularly in rural areas where other employment avenues are scarce. A survey was conducted among 50 women beneficiaries who participated in the hands-on training cum demonstration program organized by the ICAR-CIFT, collaboration in and installed solar dryer with KVK Sikkal, Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu and KVK-Madur, Karaikal, Puducherry, where solar dryers were also installed. The economics of operating the 10 kg capacity solar-cum-electric backup dryer were assessed, considering the capital investment. Income from the hygienic drying processes of locally available fishes (mackerel, ribbon fish and anchovy) and shellfish (shrimp), following strict protocols on cleaning, drying, packaging and marketing the dried fish and shellfishes to nearby markets as well as through KVK sale counters, was estimated at `21,093 per household per annum. Since the dryer can be operated by both electric and solar power, it helps save electricity consumption worth `10,125 per annum, depending on the number of sunny days in the region.