How did Pinaki Parimita advance her self-employment through Value-Added Fish Products?

The story begins in Kanamana village, Astaranga block, Odisha. Pinaki Parimita, a simple woman, began forging her own destiny amidst the waves of the sea. Once engaged solely in mushroom, crab, and shrimp farming, she now heads a fish products company called Fishlikes and inspires dozens of rural women. Through Value-Added Fish Products, i.e., processed and innovative fish products, she not only utilizes local resources optimally but also provides employment to many women in the village.

A Women-Led Agri Startup Born in Lockdown

Pinaki still remembers the days when everything was at a standstill due to the lockdown. Business was shut down, and the villagers were disheartened. In such difficult times, Pinaki thought, why not make good use of the shrimp found in the sea near the village? However, she had no experience, nor did her team understand marketing, and the biggest challenge was where to start.

Training from ICAR-CIWA

Pinaki and 12 of her female colleagues received skills training and entrepreneurship management training from ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar. During this training, they learned how to make value-added fish products—such as dried fish, pickled shrimp, and fish pickle—which are in high demand in the market.

“We had no idea how to run a business. ICAR-CIWA taught us how to make products, how to package them, and how to obtain licenses. That was our real beginning.”

Fishlikes: A License Opened the Door to the Market

When Pinaki Parimita and her friends decided they wouldn’t just raise mushrooms, crabs, or shrimp, but instead sell value-added fish products made from them—like shrimp pickle and fish chips—their first challenge was legal recognition.

“We didn’t understand that a license was required to start a business. With the help of ICAR-CIWA, we obtained an FSSAI license and a trade license. Only then could we enter the market under the name ‘Fishlikes.'”

A Journey Started with Two Local Shops

The name ‘Fishlikes’ isn’t just a brand; it’s the dream of women who were once confined to the kitchen, but are now packaging their hard work, creating a brand, and bringing it to the market.

Initially, they only sold their products in two local shops. Pinaki recalls with a smile:

“On the first day, when we put our pickles and chips in the shop, we were worried about whether they would sell. But the stock sold out within the first week.”

Fishlikes’ journey from 2 to 12 stores in 4 months

The women’s courage seemed to grow. Within four months, their value-added fish products, such as fish pickle and shrimp chips, were selling in 12 stores. Customers began asking, “Where does this fish pickle come from?” Then, their identity was no longer limited to their village or block.

“Demand grew so much that we started shipping our products to West Bengal. We used to wonder who would buy our goods outside the village, but today our products are reaching other states.”

Started Online Marketing

Even when the COVID-19 pandemic brought markets to a standstill, Pinaki and her team remained undeterred. They began marketing their value-added fish products online and reached customers through social media and WhatsApp.

“We didn’t know how to market, but when faced with challenges, we learned, and that became our true strength.”

Today, every packet of ‘Fishlikes’ is not just a product, but a story. It’s about village women who, through their hard work and dedication to learning, transformed the destiny of their families, their villages, and themselves on the seashore.

A Team of Women: Not Just Hard Work, Now Master Trainers

Pinaki is today not just a leader of her own family, but of the entire group. She explains, “We are now training women from other villages on how to prepare value-added fish products. Now we are not just makers, but also teachers.”

Revenues and Market Challenges

The group is earning a profit of ₹130-150 per kilogram from shrimp pickle. Pinaki explains, “Marketing was the biggest challenge. It doesn’t sell well in the local market, and if we export it abroad, the cost increases. But we have started experimenting with online marketing as well.”

The Power of Solar Dryers and Hygienic Packaging

ICAR-CIWA provided them with a solar cabinet dryer, a packing machine, and the necessary equipment to produce and pack their products hygienically.

“Customers are delighted by the mention of hygiene. This type of packaging is not common in Odisha, so our product stands out.”

Impact of Change in the Village

This venture not only provided employment but also confidence to the women of Kanamana village. By producing value-added fish products, they not only increased their income but also proved that rural women can run successful businesses.

“Earlier, people used to say, ‘Oh, what business can village women do?’ Now, those same people say, ‘Learn from them.’” 

Pinaki’s words for other women

Marketing will be challenging, but don’t give up.

Seek help from government institutions, ask and learn.

For people like us, there are places like the Agricultural Science Center and ICAR-CIWA; join them.

Once you learn how to run a business, village women are second to none.

Pinaki Parimita’s message

“When we started, we knew nothing. But we were determined to learn and move forward. And today, we are a ray of hope not just for ourselves but for other women as well.”

Pinaki Parimita’s story shows that if you want to learn, if you have a hunger for change, a lack of resources cannot stop you. With the help of government institutions, her own hard work, and the strength of her team, she has reached a place where a new generation of women is now leading the way. 

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