The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying provided a detailed response in the Rajya Sabha regarding support to the fishermen community in Kerala. Fisheries is a state subject, and the central government has not conducted independent assessments of traditional fishermen's socio-economic conditions in Kerala, as the state government continuously monitors these through field-level agencies, beneficiary databases, and stakeholder consultations.
The Department of Fisheries, Government of India has been implementing the flagship Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) since 2020-21. During the last five years and current year, the department has approved fisheries developmental projects totaling ₹1413.91 crore for Kerala. The approved interventions include substantial livelihood and welfare measures: livelihood support for 171,033 traditional fishers during fishing ban periods, support for 200 units of boats and fishing nets, establishment of 9 Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages, and creation of 6 Climate Resilient Coastal Fishing Villages.
Additional support includes procurement of 20 deep-sea fishing vessels, 1140 units of bivalve cultivation for additional employment, 468 fish transportation units, installation of 42 artificial reefs for fish stock enhancement, establishment of 10 Matsya Seva Kendras, and engagement of 222 Sagar Mitras for extension and advisory services. The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme has been extended to fishers, with 18,908 cards sanctioned to fishers and fish farmers in Kerala to meet short-term credit requirements.
The PMMSY scheme focuses on sustainable resource harvesting, modern coastal fishing villages, and climate resilience. Assistance is provided for potential fishing zone devices, group accidental insurance coverage for active fishers, and diversified livelihood activities including mariculture, seaweed cultivation, open sea cage culture, ornamental fisheries, fish markets, kiosks, cold chain facilities, live fish vending centers, and training programs. The Government of Kerala implements additional measures through its fisheries department and allied agencies, including livelihood support schemes, sustainable fishing practices promotion, fisheries infrastructure modernization, income diversification, resource conservation, and climate resilience programs for fishing communities.