Mysuru: The Department of Fisheries has initiated preparations to expand the Matsya Vahini scheme across Karnataka with the objective of promoting hygienic fish sales, encouraging entrepreneurship and generating employment opportunities for unemployed youth. The initiative, which was previously implemented on a pilot basis in Bengaluru, is now set to be introduced in districts across the state following positive outcomes from the initial phase.
The scheme is designed to support beneficiaries by providing modified autorickshaws equipped with facilities for safe storage and sale of fish and fish-based products. Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen market access for fisheries products while encouraging hygienic practices in the sector.
The programme is being implemented through the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation and seeks to improve livelihood opportunities in both urban and rural areas.
Scheme focuses on employment and hygienic fish marketing
The Matsya Vahini initiative has been introduced under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Scheme with the objective of promoting hygienic sales of inland fishery products and seafood.
Under the programme, the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation will provide specially modified autorickshaws to selected unemployed youth on a lease basis.
Authorities said the scheme has been designed to create employment while also providing beneficiaries with direct market linkages and business opportunities.
Officials believe the initiative will contribute towards improving access to hygienically handled fish products while supporting small entrepreneurs.
Pilot project in Bengaluru showed positive results
The department had earlier implemented the scheme in Bengaluru on a pilot basis.
During the pilot phase, around 150 beneficiaries were selected, trained and provided with Matsya Vahini vehicles.
Officials stated that the project demonstrated encouraging results and helped several participants establish themselves as entrepreneurs in the fisheries sector.
The success of the Bengaluru model has now prompted the department to expand the scheme to districts across Karnataka.
Authorities said one to four beneficiaries are expected to be selected from each district under the expanded phase.
Modified vehicles equipped with modern facilities
Each Matsya Vahini vehicle is a specially modified autorickshaw designed to facilitate hygienic handling and sale of fish products.
The vehicles, costing nearly Rs 8 lakh each, are equipped with several facilities including freezers, gas stoves and solar-powered lighting systems.
The design allows beneficiaries to sell fresh fish during daytime hours and prepare value-added products during the evening.
Officials said beneficiaries can also prepare and market products such as cooked fish items and fish pickles to generate additional income.
The combination of direct sales and value-added products is expected to improve earnings and strengthen sustainability of the business model.
Lease model introduced for beneficiaries
The vehicles will remain under the ownership of the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation and will be provided to beneficiaries on a five-year lease arrangement.
Beneficiaries will pay a monthly lease amount of Rs 3,000.
The scheme also requires a refundable security deposit of Rs 2 lakh for general category applicants and Rs 1.5 lakh for SC/ST beneficiaries.
Manjunath said the pilot initiative helped several individuals establish businesses after receiving training and vehicle support.
Attahalli Devaraja urged the government to further promote the scheme, stating that it would create employment opportunities for youth, support hygienic fish marketing and strengthen livelihoods.
The expansion of the programme is expected to benefit unemployed youth while also strengthening the fisheries sector and encouraging safer food handling practices.