The Department of Fisheries, Government of India (DoF, GoI) through its schemes, policies and programs has been taking several initiatives towards holistic development of fisheries sector in all States/UTs including Kerala. The major initiatives include Blue Revolution Scheme implemented during 2015-16 to 2019-20, extending Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to fisheries (since 2018-19), creation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) (2018-19 to 2025-26) enabling concessional financing in fisheries, flagship scheme ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’ (PMMSY)’ (2020-21 to 2024-25). Enhancing fish production, strengthening of value chain, employment generation, ensuring safety & security of fisheries and ensuring sustainability of the resources have been the core of these initiatives.

Under the flagship scheme ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’ (PMMSY) during last four years (2020-21 to 2023-24) and current financial year (2024-25)  the Department of Fisheries, GoI has accorded approval to the fisheries developmental proposals of Government of Kerala worth Rs.1358.10 Crore with central share of Rs. 574.90 Crore. Central funds of Rs.344.15 Crore has been also released to Kerala during this period.  

The approved activities included support for fish production oriented activities like establishment of brood bank (01), hatcheries (09 Nos), rearing & grow of ponds (89 ha.), brackish water culture (172 ha.), establishment of ornamental rearing units (798 Nos), cage culture in reservoirs (750 Nos), Re-Circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS) (646 Nos), Biofloc units (850 Nos), integrated development of reservoirs (07 Nos), and deep sea fishing vessels (20 Nos). The approval also included support for infrastructure and cold chain activities including upgradation of fishing harbors (11 Nos), iceplants/cold storages (16 Nos), fish transportation vehicles (468 Nos), live fish vending centres (77 Nos), value added enterprises (10 Nos), fish retail markets (05 Nos), whole sale fish markets (02 Nos) and also referral lab and disease diagnostic labs (02 Nos) for timely disease diagnostics. Further, activities like pen culture in open water bodies (31 ha.), stocking of fish seeds (10 ha.), bivalve cultivation units (1140 Nos), boats & nets to traditional fishermen (200 Nos) are also approved under the PMMSY.

In addition, under the PMMSY, Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages (09 Nos), Climate Resilient Coastal Villages (06 Nos), Artificial Reefs (42 units), extension support services like Matsya Seva Kendras (10 Nos), Sagar Mitras (222 Nos) are also approved to Kerala. Besides livelihood and nutritional support to 1,79,316 fishers during fishing ban period are also approved to Kerala. Awareness campaigns and capacity building programs have also been taken up in Kerala through National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in various areas of inland fisheries. Government of Kerala has informed that within the State Plan Scheme, the State has taken up initiatives towards aquaculture, diversification, increasing seed production, conservation & management of resources, regular patrolling, coaching programmes for fishermen students for higher education, interest free loans to fisher women, group insurance scheme including pension schemes.  

There is no such special scheme announced exclusively for riverine fisheries. However, the schemes implemented by the Department of Fisheries, GoI already comprises of activities for development of riverine fisheries like pen culture, stocking of fish seeds, boats & nets to traditional fishermen, ranching programmes etc. In addition. Government of Kerala has informed that as part of riverine fisheries, embankment and pen culture activities in rivers, canals and other suitable water bodies are taken up. Under the State plan project regarding ‘Integrated Fishery Management in Inland Aquatic Ecosystem’ implemented since FY 2022 ranching of fish & shrimp seeds, establishment of fish/clam protected areas have also been implemented. The Government of Kerala has informed that during last five years, funds amounting to Rs.20.07 crore is allocated for the same wherein, Rs.8.54 crore has been disbursed and Rs.7.24 crore has been utilized.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 19th March, 2025.

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