Kerala’s coastal regions have witnessed remarkable transformation over the past decade, thanks to the state government’s dedicated development initiatives, announced Agriculture Minister P. Prasad.
During a recent seminar in Alappuzha, held under the ambitious ‘Vision 2031’ initiative for the fisheries sector, Minister Prasad highlighted significant strides. He proudly noted that the Fisheries Department’s scientific approach to fish farming has nearly doubled fish production, soaring from 20,000 tonnes in 2016 to an impressive 41,000 metric tonnes by 2024.
Minister Prasad attributed this success to the exceptional efforts of Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian and his team, declaring Kerala’s emergence as the nation’s leading marine state.
Further boosting coastal prospects, the Alappuzha Marina Project, a monumental initiative valued at ₹2,057 crore, was showcased at the Kerala – European Union Blue Economy Conclave. This project is set to usher in holistic development for Alappuzha’s coastal belt, focusing on critical coastline protection and invigorating tourism. The Minister emphasized that safeguarding marine and inland fisheries resources, encompassing both the sea and serene backwaters, is a shared responsibility for everyone.
Acknowledging the significant threat climate change poses to fish populations, the government is proactively implementing extensive protective measures. Minister Prasad specifically lauded the Fisheries Department’s ‘Suchitwa Sagaram Sundara Theeram’ project, an exemplary initiative aimed at creating plastic-free seas and coastal zones.
In an important appeal, Minister Prasad called upon the Union government to intervene and address challenges facing the fisheries sector, particularly those stemming from the United States’ recent tariff declarations.
Adding to the vision, Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian proudly announced plans to ensure secure and superior housing for all fisher families in Kerala by 2031. A substantial project, estimated at ₹4,000 crore, has already been drafted to achieve this welfare goal.
The seminar was ably presided over by H. Salam, MLA, and saw the participation of other esteemed dignitaries including MLAs P.P. Chitharanjan and Thomas K. Thomas, and Alappuzha district panchayat president K.G. Rajeshwari, among others.