The State government has initiated steps to implement projects worth Rs 650 crore for the development of fisheries sector.
The State Fisheries Minister, Mr K. Babu, said the projects will be implemented this year in association with the Fisheries department, Coastal Areas Development Corporation, Matsyafed, and Fishermen’s Welfare Fund Board.
The Minister was talking after inaugurating the valedictory session of the State-level leadership camp of the Kerala Pradesh Matsya Thozhilali Congress.
Inadequate funds
The fund allocated in the State budget for the fisheries sector is inadequate. Therefore, funds will be mobilised from other agencies for improving infrastructure in the sector, he said.
The Minister pointed out that the benefits of Samashawasa project will be distributed through banks. The biometric cards for fishing workers will be distributed in three months.
He said that the government is giving high preference for the development of fisheries sector. He alleged that the previous government has done anything for the development of coastal areas despite receiving Rs 1,400 crore under the Tsunami rehabilitation scheme.