Kochi will soon get an aqua-technology park

Thiruvananthapuram: The detailed project report for setting up an aqua-technology park near Kochi has been finalised and the preliminary work on the project is under way.

The Minister for Fisheries and Registration, Mr S. Sharma, said here on Tuesday that the detailed project report had been prepared by a UK-based consultant. The project is being implemented by Kerala Aqua Ventures International Ltd., a company formed for the purpose.

The park, coming up in Aluva near the Cochin international airport, is designed to commercially produce and export ornamental fish from the State. The park is estimated to cost Rs 14.5 crore.

Homestead farms:

The Minister said that satellite farms under the aqua park would be set up in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Malappuram and Kannur districts. There will be homestead farms and backyard hatcheries under the satellite farms.

The homestead farms will be formed on the lines of ‘Kudumbasree’ project and the neighbourhood groups will be provided with working capital, technical training and marketing support. The ornamental fish produced in the satellite farms will be exported through the main hub in Aluva after ensuring quality. The project would provide direct employment to 5,000 and indirect employment to 10,000 people, the Minister said.

Insurance scheme:

He said that the Government would introduce a comprehensive insurance scheme for fishermen. The scheme will cover the boat, engine and fishing net and 50 per cent of the premium will be borne by the Government and the balance by the fishermen.

The State Cabinet has approved a ‘fisheries master plan’ for implementing the development activities in the sector over the next five years. Under the plan, a comprehensive coastal development programme, at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore, has been initiated by a Hyderabad-based institute.

Fishermen debt:

Mr Sharma said that the select committee had finalised the report on the ‘Kerala Fishermen Debt Relief Commission Bill’ introduced in the State Assembly. The Bill, once passed by the Assembly, would help the fishermen come out their debts and revive their means of livelihood, he added.

The Government has also planned to commission a slew of fishing harbours and fish landing centres across the State during the current year.