The Department of Fisheries, Government of India (DoF, GoI) has been implementing various schemes for the holistic development of the fisheries, welfare and livelihood of fishers in all States/UTs, including Kerala. The major schemes include the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) (2020-21 to 2026-27), the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) (2018-19 to 2025-26), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) (2023-24 to 2026-27), and extension of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility to fisheries (since 2018-19). Under PM-MKSSY, the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) was launched to facilitate formalisation of the fisheries and aquaculture sector through creation of a work-based digital identity and database for stakeholders.

During the last five years and the current financial year (2026-27), under PMMSY, the DoF, GoI has approved fisheries development proposals of the Government of Kerala amounting to Rs.1,413.91 crore with a central share of Rs. 598.58 crore. Against this, the Central assistance of Rs.462.22 crore has been released. The Government of Kerala has reported that the expenditure of Rs.451.807 crore was utilised towards this release. Under PMMSY, the beneficiary selection is done by the respective State Governments/Union Territories. Government of Kerala has informed that activities like livelihood support during fish ban period, boats & nets for traditional fishermen, Biofloc fish farming, Re-Circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS), backyard ornamental units, brackish water cage, fish kiosk, three wheeler with ice box, motor cycle with ice box and Sagar Mitras are implemented in Vadakara, Kerala. Government of Kerala has also informed that 3 primary societies of Vadakara are selected for Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs) under PMMSY. It is further informed that about 7561 beneficiaries are benefitted from Vadakara, Kerala.

Under the FIDF, the DoF, GoI has approved 13 projects in Kerala with a total project cost of Rs.551.72 crore. The approval also include an Integrated Fisheries Development Project of MATSYAFED at a total project cost of Rs.35.97 crore, implemented across the State, including Kozhikode district, to provide financial assistance to fishermen for procurement of outboard motors, fishing nets and allied fishing accessories, thereby contributing to improvement in the livelihood and socio-economic well-being of fishermen. No specific proposal to the Vadakara has been received under FIDF. Under PM-MKSSY, as on date, about 35.92 lakh fishers, fish farmers and other stakeholders have registered on NFDP portal including 2,52,301 from Kerala, of whom 5,032 belong to the Vadakara.

The DoF, GoI through National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and Government of Kerala, organized outreach programmes at Ponnani, Malappuram, covering fishers from the Vadakara, to create awareness about schemes of Government of India. DoF GoI has not received any proposal from Government of Kerala towards fisheries infrastructure, fishing harbours, fish landing centres in Vadakara. 

DoF, GoI accords high priority towards livelihood strengthening, ensuring safety and social security of traditional fishermen in all States/UTs including Kerala. The schemes and policies implemented by the DoF, GoI are strategically aligned to achieve holistic development of the fisheries sector while placing the socio-economic well-being of the fishers at its core. Under the PMMSY the DoF, GoI has approved various fisheries developmental activities to Kerala including interventions towards livelihood and fishers welfare namely, livelihood support for 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 resource enhancement, establishment of Matsya Seva Kendras (10 Nos) and engagement of Sagar Mitras (222 Nos) for extension and advisory services. Additionally, 18908 Nos of KCC cards have been sanctioned to fisheries beneficiaries in Kerala. All these initiatives are aimed at strengthening of fishers livelihood and safety of fishers in Kerala including Vadakara.

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

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JP. 

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