As a part of our various ongoing initiatives that empower fisher women through innovative solutions, MSSRF, with financial support from NABARD, donated specially designed rolling trolleys that alleviate the physical hardship of loading and transporting of the day’s catch from landing centre to fish drying sites.

This initiative enhances fisherwomen’s livelihoods through sustainable and hygienic dry fish production, reduces fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders among fisher women, enhance their catch quality and minimize post-harvest losses.

MSSRF has been implementing the “Quality Dry Fish Production Using Tunnel Solar Dryer Project” in Mudasalodai village, Cuddalore District, since 2021. This initiative enhances fisherwomen’s livelihoods by enhancing their access to safe dry fish production technology, fostering forward and backward linkages and reducing their drudgery in different phases of the value chain.

Before intervention, fisherwomen endured:

• Physical strain and fatigue from carrying heavy fish loads on their heads
• Musculoskeletal disorders and back pain due to improper lifting
• Limited mobility, restricting access to markets and rough terrain
• Reduced productivity and increased post-harvest losses

Innovative Solution: Women-Friendly Rolling Trolleys

To address these challenges, we specifically designed and introduced rolling trolleys, enabling fisherwomen to transport fish from landing centers to drying sites with ease.

On October 23, 2024 we have distributed five such trolleys to the fisherwomen involved in the dry fish production as a part of a pilot program in Mudasalodai fishing village.

By providing these innovative trolleys, MSSRF ‘Fish for All’ initiative, along with NABARD aim to empower fisherwomen, improving their livelihoods and well-being, promote sustainable and equitable fisheries development, foster a healthier and more resilient fishing community.