Minister outlines steps to raise Kerala's fishery sector contribution from 1.76% to 5%

During a review session held at the Sub‑Collector’s office in Thalassery, Kerala’s Fisheries, Harbour Engineering and Social Justice Minister V. E. Abdul Ghafoor disclosed a roadmap to increase the fisheries sector’s revenue share from 1.76 % to 5 %.

He instructed all fisheries‑related agencies to compile a master database of ongoing initiatives, land inventories and pending plans. Accurate data, he said, is essential for the effective implementation of upcoming state schemes.

The government is preparing a Standard Operating Procedure for maritime rescue operations, which will guide department officers in delivering faster, more accurate assistance during emergencies.

Ghafoor also committed to remedial actions for the deteriorating conditions at Thalassery Harbour and the Gopalpetta fish‑landing centre. He emphasized the importance of dredging major harbours to restore full capacity, expanding cold‑storage units, deploying refrigerated vehicles, providing ice‑boxes for small‑scale fishers, biometric registration, diesel subsidies and financial aid for modernising boat fleets.

Additional measures target inland aquaculture, including direct assistance to individual fish farmers, production‑linked incentive schemes, free electricity and periodic training programmes.