special correspondent
Kochi
The number of vessels recommended by the state fisheries department to supply subsidized kerosene has dropped by more than 1,500 across the state compared to 2015 when the last estimate was taken.
Fishers unions said the decline could be attributed to diminishing returns from fishing expeditions, as well as strict regulations being implemented by the government, which mandated that only vessels 10 years or younger be subsidized. would be eligible for consideration for supply of fuel supply. A total of 14,169 vessels have been recommended for subsidized fuel supply in the inspections conducted on February 27, a significant drop from 15,678 in 2015 when the last count was done. Although the Ernakulam district has seen a substantial increase in the number of vessels recommended for the supply of subsidized kerosene, fishermen said there has been a major fall in returns from fishing ventures. For the supply of subsidized kerosene in the district, 493 vessels are being recommended this year from 250 in 2015. Jackson Polayil, leader of the Swatantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation, a fishermen’s union, said the growth can be attributed to new investments as well as expectations of better returns in the future. However, he added that the plight of traditional fishermen continues with the fish drought-like situation. He said that the longer the greater the expenditure for fishing the less was marked for the catch. Each expedition was more expensive, while the returns were much lower, he said, pointing to the cost of undertaking fishing and dwindling returns. Fisheries union leaders like Charles George of Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedi had demanded a special kerosene package for the sector in view of its huge contribution to the country’s export business. He said the recent hike in diesel price due to agriculture infrastructure and development cess could hurt the fisheries sector.