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India is the second-largest fish-producing country in the world. Image: PIB/Canva
Kerala's fishing sector set for a major boost with new infrastructure projects launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
These projects, with an investment of Rs 287.22 crore includes Rs 126.22 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and a Rs 161-crore project for upgrading the Arthunkal harbour in Alappuzha district.
These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance the state’s fisheries sector.
Kasaragod fishing harbour
Under PMMSY, the Kasaragod fishing harbour will undergo major developments with an investment of Rs 70.53 crore.
The central government will contribute Rs 42.30 crore to this effort.
Three harbours to be modernised
Additionally, the modernisation of three other harbours—Ponnani in Malappuram, Puthiyappa, and Koyilandy in Kozhikode—will receive Rs 18.73 crore, Rs 16.06 crore, and Rs 20.90 crore respectively. These upgrades are expected to be completed within 18 months.
The Arthunkal harbour project, funded by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), will also see substantial improvements.
Collectively, these five projects are projected to generate over 1.47 lakh job opportunities, offering a significant boost to Kerala's fishing sector.
India is the second-largest fish-producing country in the world after China with a catch of 170 lakh tonnes, more than double the 80 lakh tonnes of fish produced in 2014.
