Aqua farmers in Kerala threaten to go on strike

The Kerala Aqua Farmers’ Federation, representing fish, shrimp, and clam farmers, has warned of a strike to press the government for support during distress, reorganisation of the ornamental fisheries development agency KAVIL, and compensation for losses suffered by cage fish farmers due to pollution in the Periyar river.

Federation president T. Purushothaman said that cage fish farmers had suffered losses of ₹32 crore owing to the massive fish kill in the river in May 2024. Though a study by experts from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) highlighted the river’s severe pollution, aqua farmers had not received compensation, he added.

The farmers said that while Kerala is well-suited for ornamental fish production and export, the agency responsible for the sector, KAVIL, has not been actively promoting the industry. They added that KAVIL should be reorganised to exploit the full potential of the State.

They also demanded insurance coverage for shrimp and fish cultivation. Mr. Purushothaman said that although the government had promised insurance, no steps have been taken to protect aqua farmers so far.

The farmers also appealed to the government for market intervention to ensure better prices for their produce, as input costs have risen. They pointed out that Kerala imports about 1,000 tonnes of fish daily from other States and that supporting local production could help address the issue while providing healthy fish to the State’s population. They added that only a small portion of the available aquaculture area in the State was being utilised.