Solar dryers distributed to fisherwomen as part of livelihood initiative

In a significant step towards strengthening livelihoods and building resilience among coastal residents of Keezhavaippar in Pattinamarudhur, TMB Foundation in association with M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has taken up an initiative of providing solar dryers and developing community infrastructure as part of an integrated livelihood development programme.

As part of the initiative 20 women from Keezhavaippar underwent training at Fish for All Research and Training Centre, Poompuhar, on scientific dry-fish production using solar dryers. The programme aimed to address the limitations of traditional open-air sun drying, including hygiene, quality, weather dependency and marketability.

Taking the initiative forward, 20 mini-solar dryers were distributed to the trained fisherwomen at Keezhavaippar. The solar dryers are expected to adopt safer and more hygienic post harvest practices, improve product quality and explore better market opportunities and value addition.