Date:06/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/06/stories/2006110610310100.htm

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Fisherwomen to take up lucrative trades

M. Balaganessin

Red Cross Society comes to the aid of tsunami-affected villages in Pudukottai

TO NET MORE RETURNS: Participants at a meeting held at R. Pudupattinam in Pudukottai district. — Photo:R. Ashok

PUDUKOTTAI: The district branch of the Red Cross Society has identified potential trades for generating assured income for members of self-help groups in five tsunami-affected villages in and around Meemisal.

It runs six crèches and the SHGs comprise mothers of children admitted to them. Two SHGs have been formed from each crèche. According to its secretary J. Raja Mohammed, the trades chosen are `crab-fattening,' `agar-agar culturing' and setting up solar fish-drying yards, popular in the east-Asian countries.

"The fisherwomen throw away a large number of crabs, which, if allowed to grow, under proper conditions, will fetch them attractive returns," said Mr. Mohammed.

Training was imparted to select SHG members at Fisheries College and Research Institute in Tuticorin; they would in turn act as master-trainers. The Canadian Red Cross Society, under its `Integrated Project for Promotion of Child Development,' has released revolving funds, according to the District Co-ordinator, Jayaseelan.

The SHGs have been formed in R. Pudupattinam (two groups), Muthukuda, Meemisal, Kottaipatinam-Pudukudi and Manamelkudi-Ponnagaram. Each village will have a co-ordinator to monitor the activities and guide members in hygienic production techniques and marketing strategy.