In a significant step toward strengthening women-led coastal livelihoods, AMMACHI Labs, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, successfully organized the Mahila Utsavams – “Neelamritam: Women’s Path to Progress” program in Mangamaripeta village. The two-day initiative brought together women from fishing communities to explore sustainable livelihood opportunities through seaweed cultivation and value-added enterprises.
The program was conducted in partnership with the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), with support from the District Fisheries Department. It aimed to equip coastal women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to actively participate in the emerging Blue Economy.
Blending awareness sessions with entrepreneurship training and practical demonstrations, the initiative created an engaging learning environment focused on both economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. A total of 84 women participants actively took part in the sessions over the two days.
The program featured expert insights from P. Lakshmana Rao (JDFisheries) and R. Eswara Raju (Fisheries Development Officer), who shared valuable perspectives on seaweed-based livelihoods and the scope for value addition. Additionally, A. Suresh Babu, Manager at Divi’s Laboratories, Hyderabad, addressed participants on opportunities to support women-led product development initiatives and market integration.
Hands-on training sessions introduced participants to the preparation of value-added seaweed products such as Gracilaria-based soap and pickles, enabling them to understand practical applications and income potential. The program also included sessions on marine biodiversity, pollution awareness, Blue Economy concepts, and market linkages—providing a comprehensive understanding of sustainable ocean-based livelihoods.
A strong interest emerged among participants in forming women-led seaweed cultivation groups and micro-enterprises. Several participants were also identified for pilot initiatives, marking a promising step toward scaling up community-driven seaweed farming efforts in the region.
This initiative not only promotes livelihood diversification among coastal women but also reinforces awareness about marine conservation and responsible resource utilization.
