Budagatlapalem & Echirela Villages, AndhraPradesh October 31, 2025: The AMMACHI Labs Ocean Farming Team continued their #BlueIsTheNewPink journey with two impactful engagements in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh — focusing on women’s empowerment and community-led aquaculture models.

At Budagatlapalem Village, around 60 women participated in an interactive session introducing Amma’s humanitarian vision, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s community initiatives, and the successful seaweed livelihood program from Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu.

During the session, participants expressed strong enthusiasm to begin seaweed cultivation while voicing important concerns about safety at sea. The Amrita team addressed these questions through demonstration videos showcasing swimming lessons and proper life jacket use, inspiring confidence and readiness among the women to participate in the initiative.

Local leaders — including the Sarpanch, District Project Manager, Fisheries Coordinator, and Sakhi Mandal coordinators — pledged full support to the program, emphasizing the importance of structured training, safety measures, and long-term collaboration.

Later in the day, the team visited the Circular Aquaculture Unit in Echirela Village, managed by a Self-Help Group (SHG) with support from the Department of Fisheries. The facility, which rears around 1,000 murrel fish (snakehead), serves as a remarkable example of community-managed, sustainable aquaculture.

The visit provided valuable insights into integrating fisheries-based livelihoods with women’s empowerment and technical training. The SHG-led model demonstrated how local ownership combined with scientific guidance can foster resilient and sustainable coastal communities.

Key Outcomes

• Built trust and readiness among women for seaweed farming

• Addressed safety concerns through demonstration and dialogue

• Observed successful SHG-led aquaculture practices

• Strengthened partnerships with the Department of Fisheries

This initiative directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 4 – Quality Education
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
SDG 14 – Life Below Water
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
 SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Media Coverage