Mercy Kutty Amma, the Fisheries Minister of Kerala called on Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on Tuesday in Delhi. During the meeting, a number of important issues related to the fisheries sector in Kerala were discussed.
The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare informed that the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry has restructured the fisheries development schemes with focused development of Marine and Inland Fishery Sectors.
Some of the important issues submitted by the Fisheries Minister of Kerala included empowerment of traditional fishers for deep sea fishing, ban on juvenile fishing, providing financial assistance for procurement of marine Ambulances, enhancement of unit cost for housing, mariculture, fishermen housing and other amenities.
Other issues included were higher central assistance for construction and renovation of ponds, establishment of hatcheries, setting up of fisheries stations, allocation of sufficient quota for kerosene for traditional fishermen in the State of Kerala.
Shri Singh on his part informed that the unit cost for construction of new ponds and tanks for fish culture are being enhanced. He also said Central Govt will provide 50% financial assistance for these activities under the “Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Marine Fisheries-Neeli Kranti”.