Livelihood assistance, climate-resilient fishing villages, deep-sea vessels and alternative livelihoods among key interventions to strengthen Kerala’s traditional fisherfolk.

Key Highlights

• ₹1,413.91 crore worth of fisheries projects approved for Kerala under PMMSY.
• 1.71 lakh traditional fishers supported during seasonal fishing ban periods.
• 18,908 Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) sanctioned to fishers and fish farmers.
• Projects include modern coastal villages, climate-resilient villages, deep-sea fishing vessels, artificial reefs and Matsya Seva Kendras.
• Centre says Kerala monitors the socio-economic condition of fisherfolk through its own agencies as fisheries remain a State subject.

Kerala’s Fishing Communities Receive Continued PMMSY Support for Livelihoods and Climate Resilience

New Delhi, July 29: The Government of India has highlighted a wide range of welfare and fisheries development initiatives being implemented in Kerala under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience and modernising the state’s fisheries sector.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said fisheries remain a State subject, and therefore the Government of Kerala is responsible for monitoring the socio-economic conditions and livelihood challenges of traditional fishing communities within its jurisdiction.

According to the Centre, Kerala continuously assesses the needs of fisherfolk through field-level agencies, beneficiary databases, stakeholder consultations and periodic reviews.

₹1,413.91 Crore Approved Under PMMSY

Since the launch of PMMSY in 2020-21, the Centre has approved fisheries development projects worth ₹1,413.91 crore in Kerala.

The approved interventions focus on both infrastructure development and fisher welfare.

Major initiatives include:

• Livelihood support for 1,71,033 traditional fishers during seasonal fishing ban periods.
• Support for 200 boats and fishing nets.
• Development of 9 Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages.
• Establishment of 6 Climate Resilient Coastal Fishing Villages.
• Financial assistance for 20 deep-sea fishing vessels.
• 1,140 bivalve cultivation units as alternative livelihood activities.
• 468 fish transportation units.
• Installation of 42 artificial reefs to improve marine fish stocks.
• Establishment of 10 Matsya Seva Kendras.
• Deployment of 222 Sagar Mitras to provide extension services and technical guidance to fishing communities.

Credit Support Through Kisan Credit Cards

The Ministry also highlighted financial inclusion initiatives under the fisheries sector.

According to the government:

• 18,908 Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) have been sanctioned to fishers and fish farmers in Kerala, providing access to institutional credit for working capital and fisheries-related activities.

Focus on Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Fisheries

The Centre said PMMSY continues to promote sustainable fisheries through measures such as:

• Sustainable harvesting of marine resources.
• Modern coastal fishing villages.
• Climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisory devices.
• Group accident insurance for active fishers.
• Mariculture, including seaweed farming, bivalve cultivation and open-sea cage culture.
• Fish markets, kiosks and cold-chain facilities.
• Live fish vending centres.
• Skill development and capacity-building programmes.

Many of these interventions have already been approved and implemented in Kerala to strengthen livelihoods while improving the resilience of coastal communities.

State Continues Local Welfare Measures

The Government of Kerala has also informed the Centre that it is implementing several complementary programmes through the Fisheries Department and allied agencies.

These include:

• Livelihood support schemes.
• Promotion of sustainable fishing practices.
• Modernisation of fisheries infrastructure.
• Diversification of income sources.
• Marine resource conservation.
• Climate adaptation programmes for fishing communities.

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Impact

Kerala’s tourism industry is closely linked to its coastal fishing communities, with seafood cuisine, fishing harbours and waterfront destinations forming an integral part of the visitor experience. Continued investments in fisher welfare, climate-resilient villages and fisheries infrastructure are expected to strengthen seafood supply chains that support hotels, restaurants, houseboats and beach resorts across the state.

Alternative livelihood initiatives such as bivalve cultivation, seaweed farming and mariculture also create opportunities for eco-tourism, community-based tourism and culinary tourism, particularly in destinations such as Kochi, Alappuzha, Kollam, Bekal and Kannur. Strengthening the resilience of fishing communities ultimately supports sustainable coastal tourism while preserving Kerala’s rich maritime heritage and seafood traditions.