Kerala to set up 9 modern fishing villages at ₹69 Cr to boost coastal livelihoods

Ramanattukara: Kerala is set to develop nine model fishing villages equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure. The project, spearheaded by the Fisheries Department, is estimated to cost ₹69 crore. Of this, ₹35 crore will come from the Central government and over ₹38 crore from the State government.

The core objective of the initiative is to enhance basic amenities for fish workers and help secure more stable and sustainable livelihoods. These model villages will be established across seven districts in the state.

The proposed fishing villages will come up in the following locations: Nayarambalam and Chellanam in Ernakulam district, Ponnani and Tanur in Malappuram, Arattupuzha in Alappuzha, Chalil Gopalapetta in Kannur, Shiriya in Kasaragod, Edakkazhiyoor in Thrissur and Chaliyam in Kozhikode. The project is expected to benefit over one lakh fish workers. The target is to complete the initiative by March 2026.

Key components of the project include the construction of coastal bio-shields, establishment of aqua hubs and installation of modern refrigeration systems. The coastal bio-shield component is being implemented in collaboration with the Social Forestry division. Bamboo, vetiver (ramacham) and coconut palms will be planted along the coast to mitigate sea heat and aid in soil conservation. Region-specific tree species will be chosen based on the ecological profile of each district.

The progress of project implementation varies across villages. In Edakkazhiyoor, a fish landing centre is planned. At Arattupuzha in Alappuzha—set to be South Kerala’s first model fishing village—ornamental fish breeding units will be established.

In Chaliyam, fish containers are to be set up, while Chellanam will get electricity-powered fish vending auto kiosks. A seafood cafeteria is also planned in this location. Modern fish refrigeration systems will be installed in almost all the fishing villages.

The nine model fishing villages in Kerala form part of a larger national initiative to establish 100 modern fishing villages across India.