Minister for Fisheries J. Mercykuttyamma said here on Tuesday that the fisheries sector would be freed of middlemen by strengthening the auctioning of catch through societies under the apex cooperative Matsyafed. She was speaking at the inauguration of ‘Matsyotsavam’ fisheries festival and Matsya Adalat at Marine Drive in the city.
Rs. 100-crore loan
She said that fishermen, who were unable to pay back loans on account of disability and diseases would be given interest-free loans. Matsyafed was planning to take a loan of Rs. 100 crore from Natioanl Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, the Minister said.
Thousands of fishermen and women thronged the large pandhal erected at Marine Drive for the programme organised as part of the first anniversary celebrations of the State government.
The Minister, responding to the appeal from the local people for the completion of the Chellanam fishing harbour, said the work could begin immediately after the land owners gave consent for the takeover. The land was required for the wharf and road. The State would also take steps to remove stake nets and Chinese nets that do not have licence. The step was being taken to protect the inland fisheries resources.
Those fishermen living within 50 metres of the shoreline would be rehabilitated and the government would implement a programme in which Rs. 10 lakh would be provided for each house. The government had planned a Rs. 5-crore programme for rehabilitating those who did not have land of their own in Ernakulam district, the Minister said.
Hibi Eden, MLA, presided over the inauguration of the programmes. S. Sarma and K. J. Maxi, MLAs, were among those present. The application e-samudra was released on the occasion.
Exhibition under way
The three-day Matsyotsavam (fisheries festival) that got under way at Marine Drive in the city on Tuesday has stalls that introduce new farming methods including fish cage culture and aquaponics. The exhibition has been put up by institutions such as Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, CIFNET and Marine Products Export Development Authority.
There are around 40 stalls explaining various aspects of modern-day fisheries. The participants in the expo include institutions such as Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Matsyafed and Agency for Assistance to Fisherwomen.
These is also a seafood court for food enthusiasts. There is a photography exhibition on the achievements of the State government over the last one year. The exhibition is open between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Fishermen unable to pay back loans on account of disability and diseases will be given interest-free loans: J. Mercykutty Amma Minister for Fisheries
