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2.81 To improve fish production in Inland water bodies, a comprehensive programme need to be AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTORS
chalked out. It is possible through by utilizing all available resources augmenting the aquaculture
production and productivity through diversification and intensive aquaculture practices, ensuring
conservation and management of aquatic resources through responsible and participatory
approaches. Reservoirs are the most important and promising fresh water resources for fish culture
in Kerala. The potential resources of back waters estuaries and river systems are to be suitably
utilized for the enhancement of fish production of the State. Strengthening of hatcheries and seed
farms are essential at this point. But the production from the Government hatcheries is far below their
installed capacity and many of these have not met with their targeted production and maintain quality
of their produce. The State Government hatcheries need to be strengthened to have sustainable
level of output to meet the projected demands for seeds. The ornamental fish industry is a much
promising sector in the inland fisheries. The export potential of the ornamental fisheries may also
be suitably utilized for making more income. The programme could be envisaged as an alternative
livelihood venture to the fishermen and marginal farmers.

2.82 The key elements of the 12th plan in the fisheries sector are launching of a comprehensive coastal
area development project covering infrastructure, housing, sanitation, drinking water and livelihood,
action plans for augmenting inland fish production to 2 lakh tones by the end of the plan from 1.17
lakh tones, enhancement of seed production, strengthening of post harvest infrastructure like better
fish landing and handling facilities, cold chains, storage facilities as well as marketing facilities for
the development of the sector and improvement in the production of value added products, micro
enterprises, credit support and coverage under social security. Accordingly the second year plan
programme of the XIIth five year plan was completed in 2013-14.

Performance Review under XIIth Plan & Annual Plan 2013-14

2.83 The total approved outlay during the 12th plan under the fisheries sector was ` 1471 crore
(including Special Area Development) which accounts 1.44 percent of the total state plan out-
lay and 16.66 percent of the outlay under Agriculture & Allied Sectors. The actual amount bud-
geted during the Ist three years was ` 686 crore and the expenditure reported upto 30/9/2014 is
` 409 crore (60%). The total expenditure under state plan schemes during 2013-14 was ` 179.15
crore which accounts 78 per cent of the state plan outlay. There are 8 partially aided central sector
schemes having an outlay of ` 52.68 crore and the expenditure during this period was ` 43.63
crore. The outlay and expenditure for various schemes implemented in the fisheries sub sector
during 2012-13 are given in Appendix 2.44. An external monitoring mechanism can be adopted for
evaluating the impact of major schemes implemented by department. Also integrating multiplicity of
agencies to avoid overlapping of schemes implemented by various agencies.

Key Initiatives during 2014-15

2.84 Key Initiatives of the department during 2014-15 are construction of 450 Nos. of flats and 1800
individual houses, address the issue of drinking water shortage, electrification, sanitation, livelihood
opportunity and library support to 12 fishing villages, establishment of fish processing centre, 8 Nos.
of premium outlets for value added fish products, establishment of modern hygienic fish markets,
development of model fish farms for innovative aquaculture practices etc.

Debt Relief to Fishermen

2.85 It has been estimated that fisherman have a debt liability of ` 524 crore. During the period
2008-09 to 2013-14, an amount of ` 149.70 crore was provided with budget for debt relief measures
to fishermen and as on 31.03.2014, ` 149.10 crore has been released for this programme.

Economic Review 2014