Sustainable Fisheries and Gender Inclusion: Insights from the MMKY Initiative
in Odisha, India
Anita Patra and Sanju Saha
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Abstract:
In Odisha, the fisheries industry supports more than 1.5 million people who rely on inland and marine resources for their food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. Low productivity and economic fragility result from the sectors continued limitations due to antiquated procedures, poor infrastructure, a lack of institutional finance and the effects of climate change. In order to tackle these issues, the Odisha government launched the Mukhyamantri Matsya Jeevi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) or Chief Minister’s Fishermen Welfare Scheme, in November 2023, allocating ₹2,239 crore for 2024–2029. Through combined financial, technological, and social initiatives aimed at inland farmers, women’s self-help groups (SHGs), and traditional fishermen, this state-specific project aims to revitalise the industry. Financial support for boats, nets, and cold chain facilities, the promotion of sustainable aquaculture technologies like biofloc, training and capacity building and scholarships for fisher families are examples of core interventions. According to literature and policy assessments, MMKY represents a paradigm change by integrating female empowerment, sustainability and livelihood security into a single framework that is in line with the Blue Economy and Sustainable Development Goals. With an emphasis on SHG involvement, this article examines the schemes execution in the Gajapati area. It looks at the advantages that women have, especially in terms of improving their economic prospects, abilities, and social recognition, as well as the difficulties they face, such insufficient knowledge, bureaucratic hold-ups and structural obstacles.
Keywords:
Rural Livelihoods; Self Help Groups (SHGs); Sustainable Development Goals and economic opportunities
Citation: Anita Patra and Sanju Saha (2026). Sustainable Fisheries and Gender Inclusion: Insights from the MMKY Initiative in Odisha, India. Horizon J. Hum. Soc. Sci. Res. 8 (S), 78–85. https://doi.org/10.37534/bp.jhssr.2026.v8.nS.id1396.p78
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