Kerala Budget 2026-27: fisheries sector secures ₹239-crore outlay

Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has announced a total outlay of ₹239.12 crore for the fisheries’ sector in the 2026-27 State Budget. The allocation is strategically distributed among key institutions, with the Fisheries department receiving ₹166.31 crore, the Harbour Engineering department ₹35.31 crore, and the Kerala University of Fisheries & Ocean Studies (KUFOS) ₹37.50 crore.

The Budget outlines a three-pronged strategy focussing on the safety and social security of fisherfolk, coastal rehabilitation, and the expansion of inland fisheries. To bolster marine safety, the government has earmarked ₹2.50 crore for marine ambulances and enhanced the outlay for sea safety and rescue operations to ₹3 crore. Additionally, a ₹10 crore group insurance scheme has been introduced to cover all fishermen across the State.

Coastal development remains a high priority, with an allocation of ₹183.98 crore, marking a ₹7 crore increase from the previous year. This fund includes ₹143.20 crore for basic infrastructure and human resource development in coastal regions. The funding of ‘Punargeham’ project, which focusses on rehabilitating families affected by sea erosion, has been increased to ₹64.20 crore. Furthermore, ₹69 crore has been specifically set aside for the ‘Infrastructure and Human Resource Development of the Coastal Region’ project.

The Budget also places heavy emphasis on aquaculture and the Blue Economy policy. The aquaculture development scheme saw its allocation enhanced to ₹70 crore to boost production, supplemented by ₹7.11 crore for extension services. Other notable allocations include ₹20 crore for the modernisation of fishing ports and the construction of sea bridges and roads, as well as ₹12.30 crore for the maintenance and desilting of existing fishing ports. Integrated fisheries management and savings-cum-relief schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana have also received significant backing with a combined allocation of ₹30 crore.