Union Minister Launches Pilot Project to Boost Livelihoods of Fishing Community in Kuttanad, Kerala

Kochi Launches Pilot Project to Revitalize Kuttanad Fishing Community

Kochi, Kerala – August 24, 2023 – In a significant initiative aimed at uplifting the fishing community in the Kuttanad region, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, George Kurian, unveiled a new pilot project designed to enhance livelihood opportunities for local fish farmers. The announcement came during a consultative meeting at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi.

The project will see the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, implement a blend of modern and traditional aquaculture practices to rejuvenate the local economy. Key components of the initiative include integrated fish farming, cage fish farming, the innovative “one fish one paddy” approach, and biofloc fish farming.

“Enhancing livelihood for the region’s farmers is the primary goal of the initiative,” stated Minister Kurian, emphasizing the project’s focus on community empowerment. To facilitate this, Fish Farmers Producers Organisations (FFPOs) will be established, streamlining operations and fostering collaboration among local fish farmers.

Training programs will be a cornerstone of the project, equipping farmers with essential skills in aquaculture and related practices. Additionally, the initiative aims to attract startups to the sector, particularly in post-harvest activities such as processing, cleaning, packing, and fish trade, thereby creating new employment opportunities and adding value to local produce.

Recognizing the diverse aquatic environments of Kuttanad, the project will be tailored to address the specific conditions of Upper and Lower Kuttanad, with separate initiatives for fresh and brackish water farming. The expertise of premier research institutions, including ICAR research institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), will be leveraged to provide technical and scientific support.

Minister Kurian also announced that a detailed project report will be prepared promptly to ensure swift implementation, with expectations of significant and sustainable economic benefits for the Kuttanad region.

The meeting featured insights from notable figures, including former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Fisheries Development Commissioner Dr. Mohammed Koya, and CMFRI Director Dr. Grinson George, among others. Their collective vision aims to transform Kuttanad into a thriving hub for aquaculture, benefiting the local fishing community and the economy at large.

As the project gears up for launch, the fishing community in Kuttanad looks forward to a brighter future, buoyed by the promise of enhanced livelihoods and sustainable practices.