Google India has partnered with Sambhav Foundation to support livelihood development and digital access among fisherfolk in the Rambilli region of Visakhapatnam’s coastal belt in Andhra Pradesh. The collaboration, announced on 29 April 2026, covers around 1,000 individuals from fishing households.

The effort centres on improving income opportunities through structured training and access to basic digital and financial systems. Activities are being carried out through field-based engagement, including community camps and direct interaction with local households.

The first stage involves assessing existing conditions related to income, access to services, and use of technology. Based on this, training modules are being introduced to match local fishing practices and economic conditions rather than using a uniform format.

Participants are being trained in digital payments, online banking, and access to government welfare systems. The aim is to improve access to formal financial services and reduce dependence on cash-based transactions.

The collaboration also introduces the use of tools in fishing operations, including GPS navigation and weather information systems. These are intended to support safer fishing activity and reduce exposure to unpredictable sea conditions.

Post-harvest handling forms another part of the work. Training includes fish sorting, storage, preservation, packaging, and cold-chain practices. These measures are aimed at improving product quality and enabling access to better market prices.

Market access is also being addressed through efforts to connect fisherfolk with buyers more directly. Cooperative approaches are being explored to reduce reliance on intermediaries and improve price realisation.

The work is structured in phases with continued engagement in the region. Follow-up sessions and expansion to nearby villages are planned, with a focus on sustained adoption of the practices introduced during training.

The development reflects wider CSR and ESG priorities linked to financial inclusion, rural livelihoods, and access to technology. Coastal communities often face limited access to formal systems and higher exposure to environmental risks, which affect income stability.

Gayathri Vasudevan is overseeing implementation at Sambhav Foundation. The organisation has an existing presence in Andhra Pradesh across livelihood, education, and community development work, which supports execution at the local level.

Sambhav Foundation operates through a cluster-based model focused on long-term engagement in specific regions. Its approach prioritises continuity and local participation over short-term expansion.

The collaboration reflects ongoing private sector involvement in local economic development, with a focus on combining technical tools and community-based delivery to address gaps in livelihood systems.