KOCHI: They battle storms, rough seas and the threat posed by cargo vessels sailing close to the shoreline. The life of Kerala’s fishermen is often a struggle against inclement weather and what many describe as an insensitive administration.
As the election campaign intensifies, the fisherfolk community remains divided. Among the state’s 10.49 lakh fisherfolk, Latin Catholics are the most organised and largely follow the position adopted by the Church. Muslim fisherfolk in north Kerala largely remain aligned with the Muslim League.
About 60% of the Dheevara community, with a population of roughly three lakh, has drifted towards the BJP. Notably, the recent Golden Jubilee celebration of the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kochi, has helped the party strengthen its outreach.
Meanwhile, the LDF government rolled out several welfare measures, including the Punargeham housing scheme, insurance coverage for fishermen, and the construction of fishing harbours at Koyilandy, Tanur, Parappanangadi, Madayipara, Chethi and Arthungal.
However, resentment is growing over harsh regulatory measures and apathy. “While other states distribute unlimited kerosene (for boats) at subsidised rate to traditional fishermen, Kerala provides only 140 litres a month. This is insufficient for even a single day of fishing in the sea,” fumed Jackson Pollayil, president of the Swatantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation.
“The rate of subsidised kerosene is Rs 28 per litre, while it costs Rs 115 per litre in the black market. We are forced to buy from the black market. The rising fuel expense and the depleting fish stocks have affected our livelihood.”
Fisherman Raju Asrayam said many of his brethren borrow money from middlemen — aka ‘Tharakan’ in some parts of Kerala — to purchase boats and fishing gear. They have to pay high interests, and also hand over 10% of the catch every day.
“The procedure to avail loan from banks is complicated. The government should have intervened to save the fishermen from exploitation,” Raju added.
Some also pointed out the delay in completing the Chethi and Arthungal harbour projects. Currently, fisherfolk operating mechanised boats in Alappuzha district are forced to rely on Vypeen harbour in Ernakulam.
Another common grouse is the lack of cold storage facilities at harbours. “This forces many to sell their catch at low prices under pressure from middlemen,” said Josekunju, a fisherman at Arthungal. “Why can’t the government ensure a fair auction system to support the traditional fishermen?”
Meanwhile, mechanised fishing vessel operators — who contribute nearly 75% of the annual fish landing — maintain that the government has been hostile towards the sector.
“There are about 3,500 mechanised fishing vessels operating in Kerala. These vessels purchase 3,000 litres of diesel for a week-long fishing expedition,” said Peter Mathias, president of the All Kerala Fishing Boat Operators Association.
“We contribute at least Rs 3.5 crore to the state economy every day. But the harsh measures of the fisheries department have landed us in crisis. The annual licence fee is Rs 25,000 in Kerala, while it is only about Rs 3,000 in other states. The penalty for violations is Rs 2.5 lakh. Moreover, we don’t have autonomy in auctioning our catch.”
Members of the association highlighted that fishing boat operators have been demanding for long that at least the 1% road cess on diesel be waived off. But the state government hasn’t yielded.
“We should get a catch of Rs 4 lakh to meet the week-long operation cost. The owner will get returns only if the catch is worth over Rs 5 lakh,” said Haneefa Haji, treasurer of the association.
“Experienced boat workers are migrating to other states. The government is not extending the benefits of the fishermen’s welfare fund to migrant workers whom we are employing now.”
Amidst so many complaints, it is pertinent to note that many among the fisherfolk want a representative from their community to be made the fisheries minister. Someone who would understand their plight.