Government approves Rs 7,500 Crore projects for Modern Fishing Harbours and Fish Landing Centers
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has given the green light to projects worth over Rs 7,500 crore aimed at the development of modern fishing harbours and fish landing centres. Parshottam Rupala, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, announced this significant decision.
Foundation Laid for Modernization and Upgradation of Cochin Fishing Harbour
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry Parshottam Rupala, along with Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, laid the foundation stone for the project focused on the modernization and upgradation of Cochin Fishing Harbour. The ceremony was held at Thoppumpady, Samudrika Hall, Willingdon Island, Cochin Port Authority, Cochin. Several distinguished individuals were present at the event, including Hibi Eden, Member of Parliament, Ernakulam Lok Sabha Constituency, K.J.Maxi, Member of Legislative Assembly, Kochi Constituency, T.J.Vinod, Member of Legislative Assembly, Ernakulam Constituency, Adv. M. Anil Kumar, Mayor, Kochi Municipal Corporation, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Officer on Special Duty, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of India, Dr. Suvarna Chandrapparagari, Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board, . K.S. Srinivas, IAS, Principal Secretary, Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala, and Dr. M. Beena, IAS, Chairperson, Cochin Port Authority.
Cochin Fishing Harbour Modernization Project Details
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, approved the Cochin Port Trust’s proposal for the modernization and upgradation of Cochin Fishing Harbour in March 2022. The total cost of the project amounts to Rs. 169.17 crore, with central financial assistance of Rs. 100 crore provided under the PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Yojana) in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways under the Sagarmala initiative.
Benefits and Objectives of the Project
The modernization and upgradation project aims to benefit 700 fishing boats operating at Cochin Fishing Harbour, thereby directly supporting the livelihoods of around 10,000 fishers and indirectly impacting approximately 30,000 fishers along the value chain. The project is expected to significantly improve hygienic conditions and increase earnings from fish and fish product exports.
Key Components of the Modernization Plan
The modernization efforts encompass various activities, including the establishment of air-conditioned auction halls, a fish dressing unit, a packaging unit, internal roads, loading and unloading platforms, an office, a dormitory, and a food court. Additionally, the project includes a public-private partnership (PPP) component worth Rs. 55.85 crore, which comprises the establishment of cold storages, slurry, and tube ice plants, a multi-level car parking facility, a reverse osmosis plant, a food court, a retail market.
Government’s Focus on the Development of Fishing Harbours
The Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying emphasized that the government has approved projects exceeding Rs. 7,500 crore for the development of modern fishing harbours and fish landing centres. These initiatives are being undertaken through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), the Sagarmala scheme, and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Yojana (PMMSY
