Union Government Launches Pilot Project to Boost Fisheries in Kuttanad, Kerala

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Minority Affairs, Shri George Kurian, announced a pilot project to enhance livelihood opportunities for fish farmers in the Kuttanad region of Kerala. The decision was taken at a consultative meeting held at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: Enhance income and livelihood for fish farmers in Kuttanad.
• Scope of the Project:
  • Promote modern and traditional aquaculture practices, including:
    • Integrated fish farming
    • Cage fish farming
    • “One fish, one paddy” sustainable initiative
    • Biofloc fish farming
• Formation of Fish Farmers Producers Organizations (FFPOs) to empower local communities and streamline operations.
• Extensive training programs to build technical skills in aquaculture.
• Encouragement of startups for post-harvest activities like processing, cleaning, packing, and trade of fish.

Fish Farmers Producers Organizations (FFPOs)

• FFPOs are collectives of fish farmers, structured as companies, where members come together to improve production, marketing, and income.
• Aim to empower small and marginal fish farmers by pooling resources and providing collective bargaining power.

PIB