‘Fisheries’ is a State subject, and the Department of Fisheries, Government of India (DoF, GoI) has not undertaken any independent assessment of the socio-economic conditions and livelihood challenges faced by traditional fishermen in Kerala.  Fisheries within 12 nautical miles (NM) of territorial waters is governed by respective Marine Fishing Regulation Act (MFRA) of the coastal States, whereas, fishing beyond 12 NM is under jurisdiction of Government of India. Accordingly, State Governments have their own regulatory framework/guidelines in place for development and management of fisheries in their jurisdiction. The Government of Kerala has informed that it continuously monitors and assesses the socio-economic conditions and livelihood challenges of traditional fisherfolk through field-level agencies, beneficiary databases, stakeholder consultations and periodic reviews.

In addition, the DoF, GoI through its schemes, policies and programs has been taking several initiatives towards holistic development of fisheries in all States and Union Territories including Kerala. Welfare of fishers and strengthening their livelihood have been the core of these initiatives. 

The DoF, GoI, is implementing a flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), since 2020-21. During last 5 years and current year the DoF, GoI has approved fisheries developmental projects amounting to Rs. 1413.91 crore in Kerala. The approved activities inter-alia included interventions towards livelihood and fishers welfare namely, livelihood support for traditional fishers during the fishing ban period (1,71,033 Nos),  support for boats and fishing nets (200 units), establishment of Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages (9 Nos), establishment of Climate

Resilient Coastal Fishing Villages (6 Nos), procurement of  deep-sea fishing vessels (20 units), bivalve cultivation (1140 units) as additional employment, fish transportation units (468 units), installation of artificial reefs (42 units) for fish stocks enhancement, establishment of Matsya Seva Kendras (10 Nos) and engagement of Sagar Mitras (222 Nos) for extension and advisory services. In addition Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) have been also extended to fishers to meet their short term credit requirements. So far, 18,908 Nos of KCC cards have been sanctioned to fishers and fish farmers in Kerala.  

The DoF, GoI in consultation with State Governments/UTs takes up needful interventions to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the fisheries sector from time to time. The PMMSY implemented by the DoF, GoI inter-alia envisages interventions towards sustainable harvesting of resources, development of modern costal fishing villages, climate resilient villages towards climate resilience. Assistance is also provided towards procurement of potential fishing zone (PFZ) devices, livelihood support during fishing ban period, group accidental insurance coverage to active fishers, additional and alternate livelihood activities like mariculture including seaweed cultivation, bivalve cultivation, open sea cage culture, ornamental fisheries, fish markets & kiosks, cold chain facilities, live fish vending centres, need based training and skill development programmes etc. Many of these interventions have been already approved to Kerala as detailed above, enabling strengthening of livelihood, promoting climate resilience and sustainability.

The Government of Kerala has further informed that they are implementing various measures through the Department of Fisheries and allied agencies, including livelihood support schemes, promotion of sustainable fishing practices, modernization of fisheries infrastructure, diversification of income-generating activities, resource conservation initiatives and programmes aimed at enhancing the climate resilience of fishing communities.

This Information was given by Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in the Rajya Sabha in response to a question asked.

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JP.  

 

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