Seaweed Value Added Training: Inspiring Success for 60+ Women

Seaweed Value Added Training – Programme Overview

The Seaweed Value Added Training Camp was organized on 11 February 2026, from 02.30 p.m. to 04.00 p.m., at Kamaraj Nagar, Servaikaranmadam Village Panchayat, under the aegis of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan by Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi.

The programme formed part of the ongoing Seaweed Project initiatives carried out under UBA with the objective of strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable marine resource utilisation.

Objectives of the Seaweed Value Added Training

The primary objective of the Seaweed Value Added Training was to equip Women Self Help Group members with practical knowledge in preparing commercially viable seaweed based products. The programme aimed to promote income generation opportunities through value addition and small scale entrepreneurship.

The key objectives included:

• To provide hands on training in seaweed product preparation
• To encourage self employment among rural women
• To create awareness about government subsidy schemes
• To promote sustainable use of marine resources

Participation of Women Self Help Groups

Members from various Women Self Help Groups of Servaikaranmadam Village Panchayat actively participated in the Seaweed Value Added Training camp. The enthusiastic response reflected the growing interest among rural women in exploring new livelihood opportunities linked to locally available resources.

The programme provided them with both technical skill development and entrepreneurial orientation, enabling them to consider seaweed processing as a feasible income generating activity.

Live Demonstration and Practical Learning

A major highlight of the Seaweed Value Added Training camp was the live demonstration of product preparation. Detailed explanations were given regarding the transformation of raw seaweed into value added consumable products.

The products demonstrated included:

• Seaweed Jigarthanda
• Seaweed Jam
• Seaweed Jelly
• Various Seaweed Snack Varieties

Participants observed and engaged in each stage of preparation, gaining clarity on hygiene, measurement accuracy, consistency, and packaging aspects. The demonstration enabled them to understand the commercial potential of seaweed based food items.

Entrepreneurial Awareness and Government Support

As part of the continuous Seaweed Project initiatives, the Seaweed Value Added Training also focused on entrepreneurship development. Participants were informed about:

• Self employment opportunities in seaweed processing
• Government subsidy schemes for micro enterprises
• Loan facilities through banks and financial institutions
• Marketing support and local branding strategies

This integrated guidance ensured that participants understood not only the production process but also the economic and institutional support available for starting small scale ventures.

Academic Guidance and Programme Coordination

The Seaweed Value Added Training camp was organized under the guidance of Dr. J. Nagarajan, Project In charge of the Seaweed Project. The programme was coordinated by Dr. P. Pounraj, UBA Coordinator.

Their systematic planning and community engagement ensured the effective execution of the training session and meaningful participation from the village community.

Impact on Rural Development and Women Empowerment

The Seaweed Value Added Training significantly contributed to rural capacity building and women empowerment. By equipping SHG members with practical skills and financial awareness, the programme strengthened their confidence to initiate income generating activities.

Such initiatives support diversification of rural livelihoods and promote sustainable coastal economic development.

Role of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan in Community Engagement

The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan connects higher education institutions with rural communities to promote sustainable development. Through programmes such as the Seaweed Value Added Training, academic expertise is translated into community benefit.

Internal Link:
Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi

National Perspective on Marine Based Livelihoods

Seaweed based enterprises are increasingly recognised for their nutritional, economic, and environmental value. Government initiatives continue to promote sustainable marine resource utilisation.

External Links:
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Official Portal
Department of Fisheries Government of India

Overall Impact of the Programme

The Seaweed Value Added Training camp successfully enhanced participants’ technical knowledge, entrepreneurial awareness, and confidence. The training aligned with the broader objectives of rural empowerment, sustainable development, and skill based capacity building.

Conclusion

The Seaweed Value Added Training conducted on 11 February 2026 under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan was a meaningful and well executed initiative. The expert guidance of Dr. J. Nagarajan and coordination by Dr. P. Pounraj ensured that the programme delivered practical knowledge and sustainable livelihood insights to Women Self Help Groups.

The initiative reaffirmed Kamaraj College’s commitment to community engagement, skill development, and rural empowerment through structured academic outreach programmes.