In a boost to the fishing sector of the district, the Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayat is set to initiate programmes for assisting women fish sellers and to promote the cultivation of Pearl Spot fishes, or Karimeen. The first project, which involves the distribution of insulated ice boxes of a capacity of 75 litres each to women fish sellers, is expected to bring relief to those who collect and sell fish in boxes and baskets filled with ice blocks. As these ice blocks melt easily, causing the fish to rot, these women often end up incurring heavy losses for the trade. Repaying debt This is a major source of worry, especially for the sellers who use part of their earnings to repay the debt using which they bought the fish for sale. The initiative will benefit around 500 women workers in the sector, according to a press note. Second project The second project aims at promoting Pearl Spot cultivation through the installation of fish farming cages in inland waterbodies. This method is expected to facilitate Pearl Spot harvesting in six months. Twelve groups, comprising both men and women, are part of the project. Programme Minister for Fisheries J. Mercykutty Amma will inaugurate the programmes on Friday, in a function to be presided over by district panchayat president V. K. Madhu, a pressnote issued here today said.