Madurai, May 16 (KNN) A marine entrepreneurial cluster has been mooted for Mandapam area to help fishermen add value to the fish products and earn income even from fish wastes.

A 10-day training programme for fishermen in Rameswaram Island on paints and coatings for corrosion and fouling prevention in the seagoing vessels” was organized by CSIR-CECRI on its campus in Mandapam.

According to a  media report, G. Shanmuganathan, Additional Industrial Advisor, MSME-DI said the cluster could be established with valued added, fish and food processing units.

The cluster could produce value added products and help fishermen earn additional income.

CECRI could help form the cluster in Mandapam on an experimental basis; he said adding if this proved successful, similar clusters could be formed in Thoothukudi, Cuddalore and Chennai.

Vijayamohanan K. Pillai, director, CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi said this kind of skill development programme would help in transferring knowledge and innovations developed in laboratories to the benefit of the fisher folk.

“This kind of entrepreneurial linked skill programme will help fishermen and others in marine zones enhance their economic status,” he said.