The AMMACHI Labs Ocean Farming Team from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has officially launched its first outreach program in Andhra Pradesh, marking a transformative new chapter for the “Blue is the New Pink” initiative.
Following its resounding success in Tamil Nadu, researchers Mohan Kumar and Amritha Natarajan from Amrita University’s Center for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality (CWEGE) embarked on a multi-district awareness campaign across four coastal villages — Tantadi (Anakapalli District), Budagatlapalam (Srikakulam District), Vasalathippa, and Chirrayanam (Konaseema District).
Hosted by the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) and the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), the sessions introduced women to the science and business of seaweed cultivation, value addition, and the expanding opportunities within the Blue Economy. Officials from SERP, DRDA, and the Department of Fisheries joined local leaders and Self-Help Group (SHG) women to explore how sustainable aquaculture can strengthen coastal livelihoods and advance women’s economic empowerment.
On October 28, a coordination meeting held at the Mandal Office, Achyutapuram, brought together key government stakeholders, including:
Together, they charted a roadmap to launch pilot seaweed cultivation projects in safe, shallow-water sites, with CMFRI (Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute) providing technical collaboration and training support.
The following day, over 40 women from Tantadi village came forward to join Amrita’s seaweed cultivation training. While many participants initially expressed hesitation about entering the ocean, their enthusiasm grew after learning about Amrita’s successful models in Tamil Nadu and the program’s strong emphasis on safety and sustainability.
These sessions marked the beginning of a new wave of collaboration, courage, and community leadership among Andhra Pradesh’s coastal women — laying the foundation for inclusive, ocean-based livelihoods that support both people and planet.
This initiative contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
No Poverty (SDG 1)
Zero Hunger (SDG 2)
Gender Equality (SDG 5)
Climate Action (SDG 13)
Life Below Water (SDG 14)
Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
