Creating entrepreneurship opportunities through mobile fish retail outlets in Telangana, India

In recent decades, per capita consumption of aquatic foods has been significantly impacted by increased supplies, changing consumer preferences and technological advancements globally. To support the livelihood of the coastal communities, the Government of India has implemented schemes such as Mobile Fish Retail Outlet (MFRO) under the Blue Revolution (BR) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSSY). MFRO is a mobile kiosk designed to deliver hygienic fresh fish and Ready to Eat (RTE) products to consumers, aimed at increasing fish consumption and providing employment to fishers. Telangana State where the highest number MFROs (150) have been sanctioned under BR scheme was chosen for a study to assess the profile of beneficiaries, operational details and constraints faced by them. Primary data were collected from 30 MFRO beneficiaries using an interview schedule. The profile of the beneficiaries revealed that 73% belong to backward caste and 87% have land holding between 0.01 to 0.02 acres. About 61% of the MFROs are run by both men and women. Results indicated a statistically significant increase in beneficiary’s income and quantity of fish sold after adoption of the MFROs. The study highlighted that MFROs have created entrepreneurship opportunities for both men and women. However, constraints like parking issues, poor battery backup and excess fuel consumption by vehicles were reported. Keywords: Beneficiaries, Blue revolution, Fish consumption, Mobile Fish Retail Outlet, Telangana