Centre to launch pilot project to revive diversified fish farming in Kerala

Kochi (Kerala) [India]24 August (Memorial): With a great movement to raise the fishing community in the Kuttanad region in Kerala, the Minister of Union, the Ministry of Fisheries, Livestock and Milkism and the minority work George Kurian announced a new pilot project aimed at increasing livelihood opportunities for fish farmers. This was decided at a consultation meeting at the ICAR-Central Marine Fishing Research Institute in Kochi (CMFRI).

Within the scope of the new initiative, the Fishing Department of the Indian government will take proactive steps to implement a series of modern and traditional aquaculture cultivation in Kuttanad. These include integrated fish cultivation, cage fish farming, sustainable “One Fish One Paddy” and Biofloc fish farming.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Livestock and Milkism, as part of the project, fish farmers producers organizations (FFPOs) will be established to strengthen local communities and facilitate operations, he added.

Minister George Kurian said, “To increase the livelihood for the farmers of the region is the main objective of the attempt.”

In accordance with the pilot project, comprehensive training programs will be made to equip farmers with the necessary skills in aquaculture and other related applications. The project will also encourage initiatives to enter the sector, focusing on basic harvesting activities such as processing, cleaning, packaging and fish trade and will create new employment opportunities and add value to products.

Considering the various water environments of Kuttanad, the project will be divided into separate fresh and bitter water farming initiatives that appeal to different conditions of the upper and lower Kuttanad. The expertise of leading research institutions, including ICAR Research Institutes, Central Agencies and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), will be investigated to provide technical and scientific support.

Union State Minister, Kuttana region is expected to bring significant and sustainable economic benefits to the quick and effective implementation of the initiative to prepare a detailed project report, he noted.

Former Union Foreign Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Fisheries Development Commissioner Mohammed Kayya, CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George and CMFRI Chief Scientist Dr. IMELDA Joseph presented their opinions from various research institutes, government agencies and KVKs on occasion. (MOMENT)