A mobile application of the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation that helps fisherfolk manage their livelihood better with information on weather, schemes, potential catch and borders has been awarded the mBillionth South Asia Award 2014. Supported by Qualcomm and in partnership with Tata Consultancy Services, the app developed by MSSRF was selected from among 300 entries from 9 South Asian countries. The award was given at a function on July 18 in New Delhi.

The mBillionth award an initiative of Digital Empowerment Foundation, is a dedicated platform to recognize innovators, who are socially empowering the lives of people through the use of ICT and digital media tools across South Asia.

Fisher Friend Mobile Application is a technology innovation for the fishers. The application is developed in Tamil and Telugu on android and provides real time information on Potential Fishing Zone, Global Positioning System, Ocean State Forecast, Weather Forecast, Disaster Alert, market price, government schemes and News Alerts. These services help them reduce risks, mitigate livelihood asset loss and earn economic benefit.

Speaking on the award, Ms. Nancy J Anabel, Director IEC, MSSRF says, “It is a significant recognition of team work and of the results we have seen. Through this journey of technology, over 40 fishermen have been rescued at sea as the Coast Guard was able to locate their exact position while adrift at sea.” Dr. S. Velvizhi and Mr. J. Srinath, Principal Scientists at MSSRF received the mBillionth award South Asia, along with Ms Nancy Anabel.