Revitalizing Kuttanad: A New Wave in Local Aquaculture

Union Fisheries Minister George Kurian has unveiled a transformative pilot project set to revitalize the aquaculture sector in Kerala's Kuttanad region, aimed explicitly at uplifting local fish farmers' livelihoods.

At a meeting at the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), it was revealed that the programme would blend modern and traditional aquaculture practices, incorporating integrated and cage fish farming, the 'one fish, one paddy' method, and biofloc fish farming, to rejuvenate the regional economy.

The initiative includes establishing Fish Farmers Producers' Organisations (FFPOs), extensive training sessions, and startup encouragement, focusing on post-harvest activities to create jobs and add value to local produce. The plan is tailored to Kuttanad's unique freshwater and brackish water conditions, with comprehensive technical support from leading research institutions.