Kannur, Friday 31 July 2009: Kerala Fisheries Minister S. Sarma has said that projects with a total outlay of Rs. 154 crore will be sanctioned for the development of the coastal areas in the district over the next two years.

The Minister was inaugurating works on the net mending hall and locker rooms in the Mappila Bay Fishing Harbour and a biogas plant at the fish market at Ayikkara.

He said that as per the National Institute for Rural Banking (NIRB) report submitted to the State government, Rs. 259 crore was required for coastal infrastructure development in the district.

The coastal developmental activities include ongoing projects with an estimated cost of Rs.140 crore, including dredging work, construction of fishing harbour at Thalayi and development of fish landing centres.
The funds required for the proposed projects would be allocated through the Coastal Development Agency and the Fisheries Department, Sarma said.

“Coastal area development, especially of backward regions, is being given top priority by the government. The Malabar special package too has allocated funds for infrastructure development of Kannur’s coastal areas,” he said.

Sarma reiterated that if fish was allowed to be imported under the Indo-ASEAN free trade agreement the State’s coastal area would be left in a state of penury. The Central government should disclose the agreement in view of the concern expressed by agricultural and fisheries sectors.

The Centre should reveal fish products included in the import list and in the negative list, he said adding that fish import could not be allowed if it would seriously affect the fisheries sector in the State.