Hyderabad: State Panchayat Raj Minister Seethakka is set to launch Mobile Fish Retail Outlets (MFROs) at Praja Bhavan on January 3. These outlets aim to support self-help group (SHG) women and promote fish retailing in the state.
The Mobile Fish Retail Outlets are being provided to SHG women and their groups through the State Fisheries Department under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samrudhi Yojana (PMMSY) and Blue Revolution programs. These initiatives encourage sustainable fishery practices and empower women entrepreneurs in rural areas.
Officials explained that financial support for the project is being offered under the Indira Mahila Shakti programme. The Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) is helping with bank loans to cover the beneficiaries’ contribution. Women interested in fish selling were selected by the district fisheries officer and the DRDO with approval from the District Collector.
In the first phase of the project, 32 units—one for each district—have been sanctioned. Each unit costs Rs 10 lakh, which increases to Rs 10.38 lakh after fabrication. The government is providing a 60% subsidy, amounting to Rs 6 lakh per unit.
These vehicles are designed to store and sell both raw fish and prepared fish dishes. SHG women or their group members will prepare a variety of fish dishes and sell them at busy locations, such as markets and public spaces, making it easier for consumers to access fresh fish products.
