Kerala Fisheries Sector Receives Massive Rs 1,418.51 Crore Investment Under PMMSY
In a significant development for the coastal state, the Union Ministry of Fisheries has approved developmental projects totaling Rs 1,418.51 crore for Kerala over the last five years. This substantial allocation was disclosed by Union Minister for Fisheries Rajiv Ranjan Singh in response to a query in the Lok Sabha.
Comprehensive Projects Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
The funds were channeled through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a flagship scheme implemented by the fisheries department. Minister Singh emphasized that all approved activities incorporated stringent provisions to ensure environmental protection and prevent any adverse impacts on the delicate marine ecosystem, particularly during offshore exploration activities.
The wide-ranging approved initiatives included:
- Support for the acquisition of 20 deep-sea fishing vessels to enhance offshore capabilities.
- Installation of 42 artificial reefs along the Kerala coast aimed at stock rejuvenation and habitat restoration.
- Promotion of 1,140 alternate livelihood activities, such as bivalve cultivation, to diversify income sources for fishing communities.
- Establishment of 740 biofloc units to promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
Strengthening Coastal Infrastructure and Livelihoods
Beyond direct fisheries support, the projects also focused on holistic coastal development. This included the creation of integrated modern coastal fishing villages and climate-resilient coastal villages. These initiatives are designed to fortify coastal fisheries infrastructure, improve living standards for fisherfolk, and enhance resilience against climate change impacts in the region.
Policy Synergy: Kerosene Allocation and Mineral Exploration Safeguards
In a related policy context, Minister Singh highlighted the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas's Public Distribution System (PDS) superior kerosene oil allocation policy. Under this framework, the government makes quarterly allocations of PDS kerosene for essential purposes like cooking and lighting, with special provisions for sectors including fisheries, as well as during events like melas, exhibitions, and emergencies such as pandemics or natural calamities.
Furthermore, addressing concerns about offshore activities, the minister pointed to the regulatory safeguards in place for deep-sea mineral exploration. The recently notified Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024 and the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024, formulated by the Union Mines Ministry, contain explicit provisions. These rules are crafted to ensure environmental protection and prevent any detrimental effects on the marine ecosystem during exploration and extraction processes.
This multi-faceted approach underscores the government's commitment to boosting the fisheries sector in Kerala through substantial investment, infrastructure development, livelihood diversification, and a strong emphasis on ecological conservation.
