Alaigal Scheme and India’s First Tuna Fishing Harbour

Tamil Nadu boosts fisherwomen empowerment

Alaigal Scheme and India’s First Tuna Fishing Harbour: Tamil Nadu has rolled out an impactful initiative called the Alaigal Scheme, focusing on fisherwomen’s economic upliftment. With a capital investment of ₹25 crore, the scheme is a targeted intervention by the Tamil Nadu government to empower coastal women who often face seasonal job uncertainty.

Rather than providing large-scale aid that may not reach the grassroots, the government has chosen to offer micro-loans directly to fisherwomen’s groups. These small financial boosts help women kick-start small businesses, invest in better tools, or manage daily needs during off-seasons. This micro-loan model has been used successfully in other parts of India like Self-Help Groups in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, proving its ability to improve livelihoods when paired with community involvement.

Focus on Blue Economy and marine innovation

Alongside the launch of the Alaigal Scheme, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a state-of-the-art Tuna Fishing Harbour in Thiruvottiyur, Chennai. This isn’t just any regular harbour—it’s India’s first facility dedicated exclusively to Tuna fishing.

This move is significant for India’s Blue Economy, which includes ocean-based economic activities like fishing, tourism, and renewable energy. Tuna has a high export value in international markets, especially in countries like Japan and the United States, making this harbour a strategic step to increase India’s share in the global seafood market.

Fisheries is a sector that employs more than 14 million people in India. Developing infrastructure like the Thiruvottiyur harbour not only creates better conditions for fishermen but also brings international standards into our ports.

Empowerment through access

Schemes like Alaigal focus on gender-sensitive planning. By giving fisherwomen direct access to financial resources, it reduces their dependence and encourages community-level entrepreneurship. Access to finance has always been a barrier for women in informal sectors, and this move bridges the gap using a sustainable model.

Thiruvottiyur, being part of Chennai’s coastal belt, is known for its active fishing population. Setting up a Tuna-specific harbour here also reduces logistic costs, ensures fresher exports, and helps India compete better in global markets.

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Alaigal Scheme and India’s First Tuna Fishing Harbour: