In a major step to uplift the fishing community of Kuttanad, Kerala, the Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Minority Affairs, George Kurian, announced a pilot project to revive and diversify fish farming. The decision was made at a consultative meeting at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi.
The initiative will combine modern and traditional aquaculture practices to strengthen Kuttanad’s rural economy, including:
Integrated fish farming
Cage fish farming
The “One Fish One Paddy” sustainable model
Biofloc fish farming
To empower local communities, Fish Farmers Producers Organizations (FFPOs) will be established, while training programmes will equip farmers with advanced aquaculture skills.
The minister stressed that the project’s primary goal is to enhance livelihoods and create employment opportunities by encouraging startups in post-harvest processing, cleaning, packaging, and fish trade.
Given the unique freshwater and brackish water ecosystems in Upper and Lower Kuttanad, separate models will be adopted. ICAR research institutes, central agencies, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) will provide scientific and technical guidance.
A detailed project report (DPR) will soon be prepared to ensure quick and efficient implementation. Experts said the project would bring sustainable economic benefits to the region’s farmers and fishers.
The meeting was attended by former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Fisheries Development Commissioner Dr. Mohammed Koya, CMFRI Director Dr. Grinson George, CMFRI Principal Scientist Dr. Imelda Joseph, and representatives of multiple research institutes and agencies.
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