Twenty-one selected aqua-entrepreneurs from Assam, including twelve women from remote villages, showcased their comprehensive business plans at a state-level investment evening recently. This initiative, supported under the Indo-German Development Cooperation, aims to empower local communities and create sustainable livelihoods.
Out of a pool of 1,000 applicants from various districts including Kamrup, Nalbari, and Karbi Anglong East, these entrepreneurs were chosen based on their innovative ideas and potential for business growth. Mentored over 1.5 years by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and executed by local organizations like Kalong Kapili, the selected entrepreneurs presented their investment plans to a panel comprising representatives from government departments, financial institutions, and other potential investors.
The Aqua Entrepreneurship Initiative, part of the Sustainable Aquaculture for Food and Livelihood (SAFAL) project, is designed to provide training, financial assistance, and market access to aspiring entrepreneurs in Assam. Through initiatives like integrated rice-cum-fish culture and value-added fish products, these entrepreneurs are not only generating income but also contributing to the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector.
At the state-level investment evening, four groups of aqua entrepreneurs presented their strategies, covering various aspects of aquaculture including spawn production, integrated farming practices, and value-added products. The event was graced by dignitaries from organizations such as NABARD and the Department of Fisheries, who lauded the efforts of the entrepreneurs and pledged further support for their ventures.
The open session provided an opportunity for potential investors to engage with the entrepreneurs, seeking clarifications and offering feedback on their business models. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the success and sustainability of these ventures while fostering an entrepreneurial culture in Assam.
Overall, the Aqua Entrepreneurship Initiative represents a significant step towards economic empowerment and sustainable development in Assam, harnessing the potential of local communities to drive positive change in the aquaculture sector.
