Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV): Transforming Coastal Communities under PMMSY

The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, has launched an initiative aimed at transforming the livelihoods and resilience of coastal communities. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the government seeks to create Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV). This transformative project is part of a broader effort to empower fishermen and their communities, especially those situated along the coastlines of India's coastal states and union territories.

Objectives of the CRCFV Project

The primary goal of the initiative is to enhance the economic sustainability and climate resilience of 100 coastal fishermen villages across the country. These villages will be developed to withstand the impacts of climate change while promoting economic vibrancy within the fishing communities. The government has allocated a significant amount of funds for this cause, amounting to Rs. 200 crore for the development of each village, with an earmarked unit cost of Rs. 2 crore per village. This funding comes with a 100% central government contribution under the PMMSY scheme.

Development in Andhra Pradesh

One of the key states benefiting from this initiative is Andhra Pradesh, a coastal state with significant fishing activity. A total of 15 coastal villages in the state have been selected for development as CRCFVs, with one of these villages located in Kakinada District. The state has already received Rs. 7.50 crore as the first installment of central funds, contributing to the total Rs. 30 crore allocated for these developmental activities in Andhra Pradesh.

Key Activities for Development

The government has approved various activities under the PMMSY that focus on fisheries and aquaculture development, sustainable livelihood generation, and the promotion of climate-adaptive measures. These activities include:

• Hatchery Establishment for the breeding of aquatic species

• Brackishwater and Freshwater Biofloc Ponds for aquaculture

• Re-Circulatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to improve water quality and reduce environmental impact

• Stocking of Fingerlings in reservoirs to enhance fish population

• Open Sea Cage Culture for cultivating fish in the open sea

• Cages in Reservoirs for Sustainable Freshwater Fish Farming

• Supply of Ice Boxes on Motorcycles and Insulated Vehicles for Better Fish Preservation

• Fish Retail Markets and Fish Value-Added Enterprises for Local Businesses

• Mobile & Stationary Labs for fish health monitoring

• Deep Sea Fishing Vessels to enhance fishing capacity

• Ice Plants and Cold Storage Facilities to support the fisheries supply chain

In Kakinada District, many of these activities have already been implemented, including biofloc ponds, ice plants, and improved transportation facilities for fish preservation. These interventions are expected to greatly benefit the local fishing communities by creating sustainable income sources and improving the quality of fisheries infrastructure.

List of Identified Villages for CRCFV Development

The 100 coastal villages earmarked for development as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) span multiple states, with Andhra Pradesh contributing a significant number of villages to the list. Some of the identified villages in Andhra Pradesh include:

1. Pedagangallapeta in Srikakulam District

2. Devunalthada in Vajrapukothuru Mandal

3. Iddivanipalem in Kaviti Mandal

4. Pedauppada in Visakhapatnam District

5. Konapapapeta in Kakinada District

6. Gullalamoda in Krishna District

7. Gondisamudram in Bapatla District

8. Edurupattapupalem in Nellore District

9. Thupilipalem in Tirupati District

These villages are part of a broader plan to upgrade infrastructure, provide better fishing equipment, and promote sustainable practices that can ensure the long-term prosperity of these coastal communities.

Conclusion

The development of Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) under the PMMSY is a significant initiative aimed at improving the living standards of coastal fishing communities while ensuring the sustainability of their livelihoods. Through the funding and implementation of modern aquaculture and fisheries infrastructure, the initiative hopes to strengthen the resilience of these communities against climate change, provide better economic opportunities, and support the growth of the fisheries sector in Andhra Pradesh and across India. The government's commitment to this cause underscores the importance of supporting the backbone of the nation's coastal economy and securing the future of its fisherfolk.