Kochi: The Kerala state government has drawn up a Rs 137-crore project for the fisheries sector, according to Fisheries and Tourism Minister K V Thomas. The project would be submitted to the Central government for assistance before December this year.

Thomas said the five-year project would have components for housing, sanitation, electrification, drinking water supply and building of roads. The Central government has increased the assistance under the existing housing programme for fishermen from Rs 35,00 to Rs 40,000. About 8,628 houses are expected to be built under the programme in Keralas costal districts; an amount of Rs 8 crore has been earmarked for this.

He said the state government has cleared the arrears in payment of benefits to fishermen under the savings-cum-relief scheme, totaling Rs 7.59 crore. Arrears in payment of pensions have also been cleared. The relief scheme would be extended to cover more fishermen, including women.

Thomas said he had held discussions with marine exporters about their contribution to the Fishermens Welfare Fund. An understanding has been reached regarding the arrears of Rs 40 crore due from them over the last 10 years. The proposal will be placed before the Cabinet for approval.

He said a high-level working group has been set up for coordination of the activities of various agencies and research organisations in the fisheries sector. Fish would be grown in various state reservoirs by ensuring effective coordination between the fisheries, forests, and electricity and irrigation departments.

Campi culture would be promoted in Kuttanad and Thrissur kole lands. Paddy cultivation and culture of fresh water shrimps would be taken up alternatively in these fields.