<p>Dry fish sector in India holds significant economic and social importance, though the dry fish processors (DFPs) population is reported to have declined in recent years. Drawing on 300 face to face key informant interviews across the Tamil Nadu coast, this study unearths the specific constraints and pressing needs of DFPs. Through a literature review and field visits, 29 unique constraints (economic, environmental, infrastructural, marketing, social, and technical), and 15 critical needs were delineated (information, resources, and training). Acceptable Cronbach alpha values (0.70 for constraints and 0.71 for needs) ensured internal consistency in the categorisation of different constraints and needs, thus affirming robustness of data collected. Utilizing the Normalized Response Priority Index (NRPI), the study reveals a landscape where <i>high constraints</i> (0.50) coalesce with <i>high needs</i> (0.62) at the state level. Technical and environmental constraints emerged as the pivotal constraints that are required to be mitigated by satisfying the identified financial and infrastructural needs of DFPs. Notably, Chennai (0.56) and Ramanathapuram (0.54) surfaced as hotspots of constraints driven by infrastructural and marketing constraints, while Villupuram (0.70) exhibited the highest needs, particularly for subsidised solar dryers and training. District-level disparities in perceived levels of constraints and needs emerged vividly through Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests, emphasising the necessity for region-specific strategies. Decision matrix identified the priority districts as Chennai, Pudukkottai, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, and Thiruvallur where <i>high</i> needs intersect with <i>high</i> constraints. The study amply underscores that localised interventions that are sensitive to perceived constraints and needs of the marginalised DFPs would be essential to ensure a decent standard of living and achieve the SDGs 1 &amp; 8 in near future.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>