Laya : Safeguarding Adivasi Rights for Social Justice

Our Journey So Far

Seaweed Cultivation Pilot – RK Beach (2022) - In collaboration with ICAR-CMFRI, LAYA launched a pilot at RK Beach using HDPE raft systems. The initiative aimed to test cultivation feasibility and system resilience under open-sea conditions.
Scientific Site Identification - A 16-parameter GIS-based assessment of 15 coastal locations across three districts was conducted. Seven sites along the Visakhapatnam coast were found highly suitable for cultivation based on environmental and water quality criteria.
Mangamaripeta Pilot (2024) - LAYA tested four seaweed farming methods (HDPE raft, bamboo raft, tubeline, submersed cage). HDPE rafts and submersed cages emerged as most effective under rough marine conditions.
Green Mussel Cultivation – Pre-feasibility Study (2025) - With technical guidance from CMFRI, LAYA explored the potential of green mussel farming at RK Beach. An integrated approach with seaweed enhances farm productivity, reduces the environmental impact of aquaculture, and offers dual livelihood and market opportunities.
Community Training - Since 2023, LAYA has been conducting regular training programs on seaweed cultivation in partnership with ICAR-CMFRI. These sessions have built awareness, transferred practical skills, and encouraged participation across fisher communities. In May 2024, we trained 86 individuals—including over 65 fishers and 15 students—through workshops co-organized with ICAR-CMFRI, DHAN Foundation, and the State Fisheries Department.

Scaling Impact & Future Directions

Policy Engagement & Subsidy Advocacy

LAYA, together with DHAN Foundation, submitted detailed observations on HDPE raft-based seaweed cultivation to senior fisheries officials. Our goal: to influence subsidy allocations under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and benefit eligible fisher-entrepreneurs.

Integrated Seaweed + Mussel Platforms

We’ve launched a pilot integrating green mussels into HDPE seaweed rafts. Two demonstration systems are scheduled for deployment, alongside training for local fishers and federations—demonstrating how a single investment yields dual income streams

Strategic Partnerships & Institutional Support

ICAR‑CMFRI: Formal MoU grants scientific expertise, training, and best-practice support.
State Fisheries Department: Offers field-level approvals and technical assistance.
DHAN Foundation & Others: Support outreach, community mobilization, and capacity building.

These partnerships ensure that our work is technically sound, community-driven, and aligned with state-level development goals.

Why This Matters

Economic Empowerment

Provides fisher communities with diversified income streams, reducing dependence on declining wild catch and offering livelihood alternatives through seaweed and mussel farming.

Eco-Climate Resilience

Promotes nature positive aquaculture that restores marine biodiversity, enhances water quality, sequesters carbon, and builds adaptive capacity to climate shocks — aligning livelihood goals with environmental regeneration.

Policy Influence

Generates grassroots level evidence to shape inclusive, subsidy-supported frameworks under national programs like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Coastal ecosystem