The Godavari Maha Samakya (GMS), a federation of fisherwomen's self-help groups (SHG) is planning to set up a fish processing company.

Experts from the Institu-te of Rural Management of Anand (Gujarat), Akshara Foundation (Livelihood Promotion Organisation) and others are likely to come to Kakinada to prepare a business plan and byelaws for the company in the end of February.

The Indira Kranti Patham officials will give an orientation programme to members of the GMS in this direction in a phased manner from February 8.

On behalf of GMS, IKP officials conducted a survey on consumption of fish in Kakinada city as a pilot project. The study reveals that there is need for requirement of a lot of fish based products, that too qualitative.

According to survey, there is a demand for 2.2 lakh tonnes of fish products per week in Kakinada city alone.

Based on the survey, the Society of Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) authorities plan to mould the GMS as a producer company since its members have achieved self-sustainability within a short period.

The GMS started in 2007 with a running capital of Rs.10 crores, and consisting of 1,698 SHGs and 19,733 members.

“The GMS will take the approval of the general body meeting to be held in March and byelaws and a business plan will be finalised by the first week of April,” said the IKP assistant director, Mr V.V. Rao.

He said that training would be given to selected SHG members on the processing of fish and fish related products.

According to sources, GMS members have already marketed their products successfully.