ACTIVITIES

The Vision of Matsyafed is to uplift the fishermen community.Many programmes and schemes have been implemented for meeting this end. Some of the well-appreciated and successful activities are:

	1. Developmental Activities 2. Welfare activities 3. Employment generation activities 4. Centrally sponsored schemes and plan schemes 5. Commercial activities 6. Aquaculture activities 7. Women empowerment programmes 8. Engineering works 9. Motivational programmes 10.Extension activities

1.DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES

1.1 Beach level Auctions / Control over first sale

The main focus of the Federation is to equip the traditional fishermen to achieve control over the first sale of fish. The system of beach level fish auctions developed across the State through the primary co-operatives have enabled fishermen to exercise first right over sale of fish. The fishermen are also ensured of getting cash-down payment at the beach itself through the primary co-operatives. A tie-up has also been made with seafood exporting companies for procurement of high value and bulk quantity of fishes through the primary societies so that the producers get a reasonable price for their catch at the beach itself. This has ensured that there is no price fall during bulk landings. The fishermen are also assured timely assistance for replacement of their fishing inputs and working capital requirements. Matsyafed also provides working capital assistance to the primary co-operatives for strengthening the beach level auction.

1.2 Integrated Fisheries Development Project (IFDP)

The Integrated Fisheries Development Project was formulated and implemented with the assistance of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in 1985. The objectives of the project is to make the fishermen owners of fishing units and eliminate the exploitation by the middlemen at all levels through the implementation of the project. Matsyafed took up the distribution of fishing inputs at subsidised rates and at comparatively very low rates of interest to groups of fishermen through primary cooperatives, provision of working capital, marketing infrastructure, supply of fuel and other fishing accessories. 

The details of Integrated Fisheries Development Projects implemented are as given below:

2. WELFARE ACTIVITIES
2.1 Fishermen Personal Accident Insurance Scheme:

Every year, Matsyafed implements the Personal Accident Insurance scheme for the fishermen members of the affiliated primary co-operatives with the assistance of Insurance Companies by collecting a nominal insurance premium. The scheme provides compensation of Rs. One and a half lakhs to the dependants of fishermen who have suffered accidental dath, permanent disability, loss of both limbs/eyes etc.

2.2 Matsyafed Input Security Scheme (MISS):

Matsyafed is implementing the Input Security Scheme (MISS) for compensating the losses due to accidents and natural calamities sustained to the fishing implements distributed under Matsyafed schemes. The corpus of this scheme is constituted as a revolving fund by raising funds from different sources including assistance from Government and beneficiary contribution. The fishermen can enroll under MISS at the time of availing assistance for fishing implements under loan schemes of Matsyafed by remitting the contribution @4% of the cost of the implements. The coverage is for a continuous period of 3 years. The losses / damages sustained to the fishing inputs under the prescribed conditions will be assessed by the Matsyafed Officials and the compensation will be released to the beneficiaries.

2.3 Special bus service for fisherwomen vendors (Vanitha bus)

Matsyafed is operating buses at nominal rates for transporting fisherwomen vendors in various routes. The fisherwomen are picked up from selected landing centres and transported to the various market places and back. These buses are being operated as a welfare service for the fisherwomen vendors who are normally denied access in public transport.

2.4 Community Peeling Centers

Matsyafed is running two community peeling centres in Kollam district. The Community Peeling Centres are being run as a common service facility for the fisherwomen of the area.

3. EMPLOYMENT GENERATION ACTIVITIES

3.1 Schemes with financial assistance of NBCFDC

Matsyafed has been implementing schemes with the assistance of National Backward Classes Development & Finance Corporation (NBCFDC) since 1995-96 for fisherfolk to assist them in skill development and self-employment ventures.

Persons belonging to any one of the notified backward classes and whose annual family income is below double poverty line (BDPL) are eligible to be assisted under this scheme.

Matsyafed has so far passed assistance worth Rs.1210.50 lakhs to 6607 beneficiaries.

The year-wise details of assistance are given below.

Loans are provided for self-employment under the General Loan Scheme, New Swarnima Scheme, Microfinance Scheme and Swayam Saksham Scheme at interest rates ranging between 4-6%. Educational loans are also provided at 4.5% interest.

The details of the various schemes implemented with the assistance of NBCFDC are given below.

The repayment shall start after 3 months on employment of the beneficiary or six months in case of self-employment. The repayment shall be in Equated Monthly Instalments (EMI).

3.2 Schemes with the assistance of NMDFC:

Since 1997-98, Matsyafed has been implementing schemes with the assistance of National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) to promote economic and developmental activities for the benefit of minority community.

Persons belonging to any one of the notified minority community and whose annual family income is below double poverty line (BDPL) are eligible for assistance under this scheme.

The year-wise details of assistance are given below.

The details of schemes implemented with the assistance of NMDFC are given below.

For defaulted payments, beneficiaries are liable to pay penal interest @12%.

4. CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES AND PLAN SCHEMES:

4.1. Motorisation of country crafts:

This is a scheme assisted equally by the Central and State Governments under which subsidy @50% of the cost of the outboard motor or Rs.20000/- whichever is less is passed on to the traditional fishermen for the purchase of outboard motors below 10 Horse Power.

4.2. Subsidy for suitable complements of fishing gear:

This one time assistance centrally sponsored scheme provides a maximum subsidy of Rs. 6000/- per craft powered by OBMs below 10HP for the purchase of suitable complements of gear to the traditional   fishermen.

4.3. Popularisation of new Generation crafts:

In this programme, the pattern of assistance is 25% of the cost of the craft as subsidy,   subject to a maximum of Rs. 30,000/- .70% is to be raised as loan from financial Institution and 5% will be beneficiary contribution.

4.4. Bankable scheme:

Under this scheme those fishermen who avail bank loan for the purchase of fishing inputs on the recommendation of the Federation are eligible for 25% subsidy of the loan amount availed by them

4.5. Deep Sea Fishing:

A project for encouraging traditional fishermen to take up deep sea fishing  by Dory Fishing  and by modification of inboard crafts for tuna long lining is also on the anvil. The total project cost is Rs.488 lakhs.

4.6. Value Addition:

A project for promoting marketing network by ensuring quality of fishes from the point of fishing to the supply to consumer level is envisaged under plan scheme with an outlay of 100 lacks.

4.7 TSUNAMI EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROJECT (TEAP) & TSUNAMI REHABILITATION PROGRAMME (TRP)

           .Matsyafed has been in the forefront of implementing the tsunami relief programmes of the State Government of the fisheries sector of the State since January 2005. Matsyafed was the implementing agency for distribution of fishing units to the tsunami affected marine fishermen of the State and has distributed fishing inputs worth Rs.13 crores. Besides, Matsyafed is the implementing agency for the ADB assisted TEAP & TRP programmes in the State and are taking up projects for Fish Kiosk, Vehicle for fresh fish marketing, working capital for revolving fund, seafood kitchen, repair and replacement of marine fishing inputs, introduction of LPG Kit, OBM repair unit etc.

 1.     Tsunami Emergency Assistance Project (TEAP)

1.      Vehicle for Fresh Fish Marketing

   

.This subproject is implementing in the mine costal districts of Kerala. Total outlay of the project is Rs. 674.5 Lakhs of which TEAP share is Rs. 521.426 (80%), Beneficiary contribution is Rs. 32.66 (5%) and bank loan part is Rs. 98.4 Lakhs (15%).

3. Fish Kiosk

The total outlay of the project is Rs.173.5 Lakhs of which TEAP share is 141.5 Lakhs, bank loan part is Rs.24 Lakhs and beneficiary contribution is Rs.8 Lakhs. 45 units consisting 255 members will be covered under this scheme. One group consists of 3 fisherwomen and 2 fishermen.

4.Sea Food Kitchen

The total outlay of the project is Rs.125.02 Lakhs of which TEAP share is Rs. 104.88 Lakhs, beneficiary contribution is Rs. 5.034 Lakhs and bank Loan part is Rs. 15.10 Lakhs. On group consists of 5 fisherwomen and 2 fishermen from the SHGs. Total number of units under the project is 9.

(11) Tsunami Rehabilitation Project (TRP)

a.Vehicle for Fresh Fish Marketing

The total outlay if the project is Rs.344.8 Lakhs of which TRP share is Rs.279.2 Lakhs, bank loan component is Rs.49.2 Lakhs and beneficiary contribution is Rs. 16.4 Lakhs

b.  Introduction of LPG Kits for Outboard motors
           
.  The total outlay of the project is Rs.76.35 Lakhs of which TRP share is Rs.31.65 Lakhs and beneficiary contribution is Rs. 45 Lakhs. 750 fishing groups with membership ranging from 4.5 in each group will be the beneficiaries of this programme

   
c.  Repair and replacement of fishing inputs to the tsunami affected marine fishermen

This subproject is to provide assistance required for replacing fishing inputs lost in tsunami to the fishermen of worst affected villages of Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The total outlay of the project is Rs.216.80 Lakhs. Assistance will be released as 100% grant.

d.OBM Repair Unit

. The total outlay of the project is Rs.5.68 Lakhs of which TRP share is Rs.4 Lakhs, share of Primary Co-operative is Rs.1.22 Lakhs and share of activity group is Rs. 0.46 Lakhs. Three member activity groups will be the beneficiaries of the project

SHG MOVEMENT & MICROFIANCE

As a part of building a strong Co-operative institution with the participation of fishermen and their family members, Matsyafed Started organising Self Help Groups associated with Primary Fishermen Co-operatives. Now, we have a total number of 10162 Self Help Groups (2840 Men Groups and 7322 women groups) with 122434 members (33140 Men and 89294 Women). These groups have generated Rs 1207.07 Lakhs as thrift which is utilized for giving short term loans to the members. The SHG movement has acquired momentum, which resulted in the increased level of participation of fishermen and their family members. Being together as self help groups has considerably changed the organizational culture of fishermen considerably.

The thrift generated is used by the groups for internal lending to the members at low interest rates. Within a year it can be inferred that around Rs. 1600 Lakhs is thus revolved in the sector without any assistance from the federation or any other external agencies. This is very helpful to the fishermen families who are otherwise forced to borrow from private moneylenders at exorbitant interest rates. Rs. 900 Lakhs was released as micro finance loan last year to these SHGs. The beneficiary gets the loan at the interest rate of 6%. At the end of last Financial Year 466 SHGs have started enterprises. We plan to start more number of Micro enterprises under SHGs this year.

COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

5.1.Matsyafed Nylon Net Factory:

The Matsyafed Net Factory has emerged as the pioneers in the fishnet industry in India. Established in the year 1966 at Ernakulam, this factory uses the latest in Japanese technology for producing good quality nets to the fishermen. This is the largest fishnet company in the public sector.

The factory can make all type of nets used in the fishing industry like gillnets, trawl nets and seine nets. It can also make nets for other applications like agriculture, trap and bird control etc. The factory produces the best quality nets using nylon multi filament, nylon monofilament, multi monofilament and polyethylene.

The factory has a production capacity of 450 MT per annum. It is equipped with 27 imported net making machines to ensure the best quality for the products. More than 50% demand for nets in the traditional and mechanised fisheries sector of Kerala is met by this efficient factory. In addition, it is also being exported showing its efficiency and quality. ( more ....)

TYPES OF NETS

1.Gill Nets

2.Purse seine nets

3.Trawl nets

4.Monofilament nets

5.HDPE nets

6.Crab traps

7.Fish traps

8.Cages for aquaculture

9.Cast nets

10.Stake nets

11.Bird nets

12.Vegetable nets

13.Agriculture net

14.Fencing

1.Gill Nets:

All gill nets are made in nylon multifilament (210/2 ply-10mm to 210/75 ply-450mm) and monofilament (0.12mm to 0.80 mm mesh size up to 450 mm)

 2.Purse seine nets:

All type of purse seine net for sardine, mackerel, tuna, horse mackerel etc. are made.

 3.Trawl nets

Trawl nets can be made up to any size of the boat as per specification

4.Monofilament nets

All mono nets including multi mono nets from 0.12mm to 0.8 mm dia twine

5.HDPE Nets

All nets up to 3mm thickness and mesh size up to 450 mm

6.Crap traps

Traps for crab as per the customer specifications

7.Fish traps

Traps as per the customer specifications

8.Cages for fish culture

Cages for the culture of sea bass, milk fish, yellow fin tuna etc as per the specification from the suppliers

9.Cast nets

Cast nest of nylon multifilament and monofilament starting from 3 feet to any size as per the customer requirement.

10.Stake nets

As per the customer specifications

11.Bird nets

As per the customer specification to the protection of crop from the birds

12.Vegetable net

Creeping net for growing vegetables as per customer specifications

13.Agriculture nets

Nets for different farms as per the requirements

14.Fencing

Ready made low cost fencing for crops and for protection from animals

FACILITIES

The factory is equipped with the following machineries to produce the different type of quality fishnets

Fishnet machines

Amita make

Toyo make

Processing Machines

5.2.Matsyafed Ice & Freezing Plant:

Matsyafed Ice and Freezing Plant (MIFP), situated near the fishing Harbour at Cochin, presents itself with full-fledged storage and refrigeration facilities conforming to International Quality Standards.

Matsyafed has set the highest standards for itself in product quality control. An in-house Quality Control and R & D along with the most modern laboratory are dedicated entirely to ascertain that the product is of superior quality and in par with international standards.

For securing maximum raw material freshness and avoiding repeated raw material handing, a landing platform for berthing fishing vessels and a fleet of refrigerated and insulated trucks for transport have been set up.

Facilities
The International Quality Standards are well met in this plant.
*Well-lit processing halls that can accommodate 250 workers at a time
*Chill room and flake ice unit with a capacity of 25 and 15 tons respectively
*The Plate freezer, tunnel freezer and IQF unit that can freeze up to 15 tons per day
*The most modern storage facility of 600 tons with direct container loading for ensuring best product quality ( more ....)

5.3 CHITIN –CHITOSAN PLANT

CHITIN is a naturally occurring material separated from the shells of Shrimp, Crab, Squid etc. During the processing of these species, the shell becomes a waste and by acid and alkali wash, the adhering materials are removed so as to separate chitin. Chitosan is obtained by refining chitin by above process and sun dried. The chitin/chitosan, is further processed by the users depending on the application.

In India the process of separation of Chitin from the crustacean shell was developed by Central Institute Fisheries Technology.

Matsyafed established a Factory at Kollam in 1988 for the separation of chitin from crustacean shell. It has an installed capacity for producing 50 MT of Chitin in a year.

They are packed in powdered form(25 Kg/bag )or as flakes (15 Kg/bag) in polyethylene bags.

Chitin and chitosan find its use in a variety of areas:
Used as a functional food in Japan

Used along with poultry feed

For textile sizing, printing

For manufacturing surgical surfaces

For Water Treatment

For artificial Kidney membranes   ( more ....)

5.4 Fish Manure Plant :

There are two Fish Manure Producing Factories located at Azhikode (Thrissur District) and West Hill (Calicut District) with an installed capacity of 1500 tonnes each. Fish Manure, named “Nutrifish” produced from Fish waste, Castor Oil Cake, bone meal and potash etc., is an ecofriendly organic manure. Nutrifish is widely used for all types of crops and yield better productivity. ( more ....)

5.5 ‘MATSYA’

Matsyafed produces a variety of value-added ready-to-fry and ready-to-eat seafood products of international quality. These products are marketed in the trade name of 'Matsya' and have become supreme in quality and excellence.

The Ready-to-fry products include Fish Slices, PUD Prawns, Squid Rings, Cleaned Mussel Meat, Frozen Cutlets and the Ready-to-eat products include Pickles and Curries.
The delicacies like Ribbon Fish, Tuna, Spanish Mackerel and Crabs, Octopus are currently exported to countries like China, Korea, the Middle-East & Sri. Lanka.
An exclusive Marketing Division takes care of the specific requirements of the consumers of Kerala and ensures the supply of the products with promptness. 'Matsya' products are available at all major supermarkets and other frozen food outlets spread across the southern states as well as abroad.
( more ....)
5.6 Out Board Motors (OBMs)
Matsyafed is the sole importer and distributor of Suzuki and Yamaha brands of Out Board Motors (OBMs) in South India. The well-oriented OBM division assesses the demand and supply of OBMs to the traditional fisheries sector ( more ....).

5.7 Vyasa Stores & OBM Service Centres
A chain of retail outlets has been established in all coastal districts to supply OBMs, Nylon nets and other accessories. Other than this, the OBM service centres are located at fish landing centres to supply the spare parts of OBMs and servicing the OBMs in repair. ( more ....)

5.8 Diesel Bunk
Matsyafed owns four diesel bunks at Kollam,Cochin,Trissur and Kozhikode to supply diesel to mechanized boats.

6. AQUACULTURE ACTIVITIES

In order to encourage aquaculture in the State, Matsyafed is implementing various programmes.

6.2 FISH FARMS   ( more ....)

Kerala is gifted with abundant Brackish and Fresh water resources. The estimated inland water area is 360.535 thousand Ha of which only about 220.43 thousand hectares of the water body are being used for culture practices.

About 2.22 lakh fisherfolk are dependant on these water resources for their livelihood. To develop Aquaculture along scientific lines and to impart training based extension, the management of three Brackishwater Fish Farms has been undertaken.

Matsyafed Fish Farm, Palaikari

The farm is situated in Kottayam district, with an area of 48 Ha.

The filtration method is resorted to.

Here scientific culture methods are adopted in three ponds of 1.5 Ha each.

Matsyafed Fish Farm, Narakkal

It is situated in Vypeen island of Ernakulam district with an area of 18.4 Ha.

Production depends on the introduction of quality seed from other sources.

An Integrated Disease Management System (IDMS) has been implemented on experimental basis in collaboration with CUSAT.

Matsyafed Fish Farm, Malippuram:

Extending to an area of 21 Ha, this farm that resorts to traditional filtration and scientific culture methods, is situated in the district of Ernakulam.

Here also an Integrated Disease Management System (IDMS) has been implemented on experimental basis in collaboration with CUSAT.

Major cultivated species:

The major cultivated species are

Penaeus indicus

Penaeus monodon

Chanos chanos

Etroplus suratensis

Mugil cephalus

Lizo sp

7. WOMEN  EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES:

7.1 Ornamental Fishery Development Scheme

Matsyafed is implementing a scheme on Ornamental Fishery Development with the financial assistance from the Department of Human Resource Development, GOI with an outlay of Rs. 48 lakhs. The project aimed at generating income for women by rearing and breeding of Ornamental fishes is implemented in 7 districts viz. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Malappuram. 450 women beneficiaries have been assisted so far.

The eligibility criteria are as follows:

1.The loan shall be extended to the women of backward classes as notified by Central/State Governments from time to time.

2. She should be a member of the primary society affiliated to Matsyafed and she should be recommended for assistance by the concerned primary society.

3. She should have working knowledge in Ornamental Fishery Development.

4. She should have sufficient space for the construction of ponds and tanks.

7.2  Production and marketing of value added fishery products from trash fish

            A Project with an outlay of Rs. 100 lakhs for producing value added fishery products utilising trash fish / seasonally abundant is being implemented for fisherwomen of Trivandrum, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts. So far 500 women have been provided financial assistance for setting up production units for fishery products such as pickles, wafers, fillets, cutlets etc.

7.3 Production and Marketing of Value Added Fish and Fishery Products

            A scheme for large scale production and marketing of value added fishery products is being implemented with financial assistance from GOI under the Swarna Jayanti Grama Swarozgar Yojana . 3000 beneficiaries are provided specialised training in the value added fishery products. Financial assistance is extended for setting up of Production and Marketing units. The total outlay of the project is 11.57 crores.

8. ENGINEERING WORKS

Engineering Division forms an integral part of the organisation as all the construction and developmental needs of the Federation are being taken care of by the Division. The infrastructure developments, diversification and modernization of our units, housing and basic sanitation programmes for the fisherfolk, purchase of machineries, computerization programmes, vehicle purchases and maintenance, printing, stationery purchase, housekeeping, staff welfare measures etc. are being undertaken by this Division.

9.MOTIVATIONAL PROGRAMMES

Apart from developmental and commercial activities aimed at economic growth of the fisherfolk, Matsyafed promotes cultural development of the community through motivational programmes

*Awards for the students of the traditional fisherfolk of the community who bag the highest marks in the State level Matriculation Examination

*Awards for sports persons of the community

*Grants to cultural organisations in the coastal areas

*Awards to the best performing beneficiary group of Matsyafed

10. EXTENSION AND MASS COMMUNICATION PROGRAMMES

    The incapacities and in capabilities of fishermen hinters their ways to the path of prosperity to a certain extend.  As capacity Building is one of the major requisite for development, we are giving due emphasis to capacity building right from the fishermen to panning and implanting officials.  Skill upgradation, entrepreneurship development, MDP, Trainer’s of Trainees, Training in advanced technologies is being imparted.  It is felt that the marginalization of the community is mainly due to the lack of general awareness among them.  So sensitization programmes Mass Contact Programmes, Publication (matsya magazine), publicity through print and visual Medias, Workshops & Seminars etc are carried out to bring the fishermen community to the forefront of the main stream of society.

           Apart from the above extension activities matsyafed promotes cultural development of the community through the following motivational programmes.

    1.Awards for the students from the member fishermen families who bag the highest marks in the state level Matriculation, higher secondary and Vocational higher secondary examinations.

    2.Awards to the best performing fishing groups of matsyafed.

    3.Grants to cultural organization in the coastal areas.