The Department of Fisheries, Government of India (DoF, GoI) is implementing various schemes for holistic development of fisheries sector in all States/UTs including Kerala. The major schemes include Blue Revolution Scheme (2015-16 to 2019-20), extending Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to fisheries (since 2018-19), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) (2018-19 to 2025-26), ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’ (PMMSY)’ (2020-21 to 2024-25), and a new Central Sector Sub-scheme viz. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) (2023-24 to 2026-27). Enhancing fish production, ensuring sustainability of resources, strengthening of value chain, employment generation, safety & security of fishers and socio-economic wellbeing of fishers and fish farmers have been the core of these initiatives.

During last 10 years, Department of Fisheries, Government of India has approved fisheries developmental projects amounting to Rs.1790.00 crore to Kerala towards development of fisheries. The implementation of activities, including selection of beneficiaries at the ground level are taken up by the respective State Government. The Government of Kerala has informed that during last 10 years about 2,12,348 number of beneficiaries have received subsidies under various Government schemes. In addition about 10,26,752 beneficiaries in Kerala have received livelihood support as relief measure during fishing ban period over a period of last 10 years.

During last 5 years (2020-21 to 2024-25) under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Department of Fisheries, Government of India has approved fisheries developmental proposals of Government of Kerala amounting to Rs. 1347.55 crore. The major activities approved included New Rearing & Grow-Out Ponds (89 ha), Biofloc Ponds (22.5 ha), Brackish Water Aquaculture (172 ha), Fish Brood Bank (1 unit), Ornamental Fish Rearing and Breeding Units (822 units), Deep Sea Fishing Vessels (20 units), Cages in Reservoirs (493 units), Bivalve Cultivation (1140 units), Re-circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS) (708 units), Biofloc culture units (780 units), Integrated Development of Reservoirs (7 Nos), Ice Plants/Cold Storages (16 units), Post-Harvest Transportation Units(468 units), Live Fish Vending Centres (77 units), Fish Feed Mills (5 units), Value Added Enterprise (10 units), Retail Markets (5 units), Fish Kiosks (90 units), Replacement of Boats and Nets to traditional fishermen(200 units), Extension and Support Services under Matsya Seva Kendras (MSK) (10 units), Sagar Mitras (222 Nos), Livelihood Support during Fishing Ban Period (1,71,033 Nos), Expansion of Fishing Harbours (2 Nos), Upgradation and Modernization of Fishing Harbours (3 Nos), Maintenance, Dredging of existing Fishing Harbours (6 Nos). Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages (9 Nos), Climate Resilient Villages (6 Nos), Wholesale Fish Markets (2 Nos), installation of Artificial Reef units along the Kerala coast (42 units), Aquatic Referral Lab (1 unit) and Disease Diagnostic and Quality Testing Lab (1 unit).

A National Rollout Plan for Vessel Communication and Support System for installation of transponders on one lakh marine fishing vessels has also been rolled out with an outlay of Rs. 364 Crores under PMMSY in all coastal States and UTs including Kerala. As per the request made by Government of Kerala 12,711 Nos of transponders have been allocated for installation in Kerala.  

In addition, under the FIDF, the Department of Fisheries, GoI has approved development of Arthungal Fishing Harbor in Kerala. Further, as on date 10,291 Nos of KCC cards have been sanctioned to the fishers beneficiaries in Kerala.

Government of Kerala has not availed assistance for fishermen insurance under PMMSY as the State is implementing its own insurance scheme at state level.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 05th August, 2025.

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(Release ID: 2152513)