Kerala Aqua Ventures International Limited (KAVIL), a vital arm under the Department of Fisheries, has emerged as a beacon of hope for over 500 start-ups in the ornamental fisheries sector striving to recover from pandemic-induced setbacks. Through a series of strategic interventions including buyer-seller meets, start-up training, and innovative marketing tactics, KAVIL has revitalized livelihoods and bolstered incomes for numerous families across Kerala.
The weekly buyer-seller meets organized by KAVIL have emerged as a pivotal platform for ornamental fish farmers to connect with wholesale traders nationwide, facilitating seamless market access and fostering lucrative business opportunities. Over the past two years, these meetings have facilitated transactions amounting to approximately ₹72 lakh, underscoring their instrumental role in driving economic resurgence in the sector. M.S. Saju, Managing Director of KAVIL and Joint Director of the Department of Fisheries, envisions propelling this initiative to greater heights, aiming for an annual business turnover of ₹5 crore by 2025 to position Kerala as a thriving hub for ornamental fisheries in the country.
In a bid to augment sales and enhance accessibility, KAVIL has unveiled a user-friendly website (www.kavil.in) equipped with e-commerce capabilities, providing a convenient platform for consumers to explore and purchase ornamental fishes. Moreover, KAVIL’s rigorous training programs have paved the way for the establishment of numerous start-ups, fostering the production of high-quality ornamental varieties and facilitating direct access to target markets, thereby eliminating the need for intermediaries and ensuring fair prices for farmers.
Dr. Mini Sekharan, a marketing consultant at KAVIL and Associate Professor at the School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology, highlights the untapped potential of India’s domestic market and emphasizes the importance of scaling up production and implementing robust marketing strategies to unlock the sector’s full potential. Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, KAVIL remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing and propelling the growth of the ornamental fisheries sector, heralding a new era of prosperity and sustainability for stakeholders across Kerala.
