Parliament Question: Traditional Fishing Community in Kerala

Executive Summary: This document summarizes the Indian government's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 4178 regarding the traditional fishing community in Kerala, answered on August 19, 2025. It details the number of registered traditional fishermen in Kerala, the funds allocated for their welfare, and the special programs initiated by the Union Government for their livelihood and income security. The data includes figures up to 2024/2025 and outlines initiatives spanning from 2015-16 to 2026-27. Key Points / Main Content: Registered Traditional Fishermen in Kerala: * As of 2024, 2,26,093 traditional fishermen are registered under the Kerala Fishermen's Welfare Fund Board. * District-wise registration numbers are provided, ranging from 35 in Wayanad to 56,303 in Thiruvananthapuram (see annexure for full list). Government Schemes and Programs: * The Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India, has launched various schemes for the holistic development of fisheries and aquaculture, including the welfare of the fishing community in Kerala. * Key schemes include: * Blue Revolution Scheme (2015-16 to 2019-20) * Kisan Credit Card (KCC) extension 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) * Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PMMKSSY) (2023-24 to 2026-27) * The core objectives of these initiatives are to enhance fish production, ensure resource sustainability, strengthen the value chain, generate employment, and improve the safety, security, and socioeconomic well-being of fishers and fish farmers. PMMSY Support for Traditional Fishers: * PMMSY supports livelihood and income security through: * Livelihood support during fishing bans * Support for boats and nets * Communication/tracking devices and safety kits * Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) devices * Group accidental insurance * Alternative livelihood activities (mariculture, seaweed cultivation, etc.) * Fish markets, kiosks, cold chain facilities * Live fish vending centers * Training and skill development programs Funding and Activities Under PMMSY (2020-21 to 2024-25): * ₹1347.55 crore was approved by DoF, GoI to the Kerala State Government for fisheries projects. * Activities include: * Livelihood support during fishing ban period (1,71,033 beneficiaries) * Replacement of boats and nets (200 units) * Bivalve cultivation (1140 units) * Retail markets/kiosks (95 units) * Ornamental fish rearing and breeding (822 units) * Ice plants/cold storages (16 units) * Post-harvest transportation units (468 units) * Live fish vending centers (77 units) * Development of Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages (9 villages) * Development of Climate Resilient Villages (6 villages) * Extension and Support Services under Matsya Seva Kendras (MSK) (10 units) and Sagar Mitras (222 Nos) Kisan Credit Cards (KCC): * 10,291 KCC cards sanctioned in Kerala to meet short-term credit requirements. Impact Analysis: Kerala State Government: * Impact: Responsible for implementing the various fisheries projects approved under PMMSY and other schemes, ensuring the funds are utilized effectively for the welfare and development of the traditional fishing communities. * Action Required: Continue to implement and monitor the approved projects, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. Traditional Fishing Community of Kerala: * Impact: Benefits from various schemes and programs aimed at improving their livelihood, income security, and overall well-being through financial assistance, infrastructure development, training, and alternative livelihood opportunities. * Action Required: Participate in the available programs and schemes, utilize the provided resources and training to enhance their fishing practices and explore alternative livelihood options for sustainable income generation. Department of Fisheries, Government of India (DoF, GoI): * Impact: Responsible for allocating funds, formulating policies, and overseeing the implementation of fisheries development programs across the country, including Kerala. * Action Required: Continue to monitor the progress of the implemented schemes, evaluate their impact, and refine the strategies based on the feedback and outcomes to ensure effective development and sustainability of the fisheries sector.

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