New Delhi : Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala laid the foundation stone of Modernisation and Upgradation Works of Cochin Fishing Harbour at Thoppumpady, Kerala.

This project is being developed at an estimated cost of 169.17 crores. The overall project is funded through Grants from Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Scheme under the Department of Fisheries (Rs.50 Crores) and the Sagarmala Project scheme of MoPSW (Rs.50 Crores) and investment of the PPP Operator is Rs.55.84 Crores.

The first stage of the project includes the construction of three air-conditioned Auction Halls, one non-air-conditioned hall, one fish dressing unit and other ancillary units. Under this project, internal roads will be constructed, loading and unloading platforms will be built, a waste management area will be developed and there will be canteen facilities, drivers’ waiting area, dredging work, areas machinery and equipment etc.

The construction of four temperature-controlled auction halls of 60mx18m with mechanical retrieval and conveyance will increase the capacity of the fishing harbour by 415 tonnes of fish per day.

During the inauguration, Sarbananada Sonowal through video conference said, ‘Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in doubling production and boosting the fisheries sector. Under his leadership, both MoPSW and the Fisheries Department are working together to make this project a reality. Development of Cochin Fisheries harbour will support the fishermen and will boost the economy.’

‘It is envisaged the export of fish and fish products will be Rs. 1500 crores per annum on completion of the project. In addition, there will be a substantial improvement in the hygienic conditions’, Sonowal added.

The Thoppumpady Harbour witnesses 10 months of fishing activity with a peak season from August to November. On average, there are about 40 to 60 boats landing in the harbour, which contributes to a catch of 250 tons per day. The major fish items landed at the harbour are shrimps, cuttlefish, carangids, ribbon fish, seer fish, tuna and marlins. 

It is to be noted under the Sagarmala Programme of MoPSW now 9 fishing harbour projects worth Rs 620 crores have been completed: benefitting 30,000 fishermen. Apart from this, the modernization of 5 fishing harbours has been done at a cost of ~Rs. 550 crores.