New Delhi – Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying George Kurian urged fishers and fish‑farmers in Kerala to register under India’s National Fisheries Development Programme (NFDP) during a outreach event in Thrissur on Saturday. The NFDP offers insurance coverage and a range of welfare benefits to those in the fishing community.
Kurian highlighted the programme’s goal of maximizing the reach of government support to everyone involved in fisheries. He praised the Kerala government for its full cooperation in rolling out central policies, and noted that many fishing harbours in the state have been rebuilt through joint efforts. The minister also announced low‑interest loans for further harbour development, helping fishers improve infrastructure and work conditions.
In a notable development, nine integrated coastal villages across Kerala were selected for a state‑run development plan. The plan will bring new processing centers, kiosks, and community hubs to these villages, all funded entirely by the central government. Kerala’s role will be to identify who benefits from the projects, which focus on building climate‑resilient and tech‑driven fisheries. A 2‑crore‑rupee allocation will support these efforts.
“The country is already the second‑largest fish producer and processor worldwide,” Kurian said. “Increasing productivity and supporting cooperative societies of fish farmers is a top priority for the government.” He reassured that the government will continue backing fish‑farmer cooperatives through welfare and development schemes.
The outreach programme aimed to spread awareness about various government schemes, promote sustainable fishing practices, and show how fishers can tap into benefits. During the event, Kurian handed out Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs), electronic transponders, and NFDP registration certificates, outlining new opportunities to strengthen Kerala’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Source: ianslive
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