As part of the partnership between TMB Foundation and M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), protective gears, safety kits and storage equipment were distributed to small-scale fishers, salt pan workers and chunk divers (shell collectors) from coastal villages in Thoothukudi district.

The TMB Foundation has collaborated with MSSRF for the initiative “Empowering Small-Scale Fishers through an Integrated Village Development Approach for Sustainable Livelihood Enhancement.”

The programme covering the coastal villages Keezhavaippar and Pattinamarudhur would focus on improving the occupational safety, resilience and sustainable and income opportunities for small-scale fishers, slat pan workers and chunk divers.

As part of this intervention, UV resistant sunglasses were provided and diving safety kits were provided to 75 women and 25 chunk divers respectively. In addition, 220 litre capacity ice boxes were distributed to 50 women fish vendors to minimise post-harvest losses, preserve quality and stabilise incomes and amidst rising market.

The distribution was led by D. Inbamani, vice-president of TMB Foundation in the presence of Srini Raman, executive director of MSSRF and S. Velvizhi, area director of MSSRF.

In her address, Ms. Velvizhi emphasised the importance of these interventions in strengthening livelihoods and highlights the role of post-distribution monitoring to ensure effective utilisation and long term-impact.