The Blue Horizon Empowerment (BHE) Model, conceptualized by the Aquaculture Technology Research Foundation (ATRF), represents a robust socio-economic framework designed to augment aquaculture productivity while fostering social inclusion and equity in Kanniyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. From 2020 to 2023, the BHE Model engaged 500 stakeholders, comprising 300 youth (60%) and 150 women (30%), by facilitating the adoption of cutting-edge aquaculture technologies and implementing entrepreneurship training initiatives. The integration of innovative practices, including biofloc systems, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and aquaponics, resulted in a 25% enhancement in production efficiency. The establishment of 30 demonstration farms served as critical loci for technology dissemination, with 80% of farmers adopting these innovations within the first year of implementation. The model provided targeted training to 300 youth, which culminated in the establishment of 50 youth-led enterprises that collectively produced 200 metric tons of fish annually, generating revenue amounting to INR 2 crore ($240,000 USD). The provision of 100% access to microfinance facilitated the scaling of these entrepreneurial ventures.
Additionally, the model significantly bolstered women’s economic participation by training 150 women, leading to the establishment of 30 women-operated fish farms and 15 fish processing units. This intervention contributed to a 30% increase in household incomes and a 25% rise in female participation within the aquaculture sector. The formation of 10 cooperatives enhanced market linkages and minimized post-harvest losses by 15%, which in turn increased farm profitability by 12%. The model also emphasized sustainability through the integration of local feed resources and the rehabilitation of 20 hectares of degraded ecosystems via mangrove restoration efforts. Overall, the implementation of the BHE Model resulted in a 25% increase in aquaculture productivity and a 40% rise in participant incomes. The model influenced 80% of the local community to embrace modern aquaculture practices, thereby significantly improving food security and socio-economic stability in the region.