Kerala Vision 2047 recognises that the future of the state depends on the prosperity of every community that has shaped its coastline, culture and economy. Among these, the Mappila and Beary Muslim communities stand out for their historic relationship with the sea. Their livelihoods—fishing, boat work, small-scale trading, seafood handling and coastal services—form an essential economic and cultural backbone for Kerala. Yet these livelihoods are increasingly challenged by technological disruption, climate change, reduced fish availability, market volatility, and weak value-chain linkages. To secure a resilient and dignified future for coastal Muslims, Kerala Vision 2047 proposes a comprehensive Coastal Economic Advancement Mission centred on deep-sea fishing modernisation, harbour redevelopment, cold-chain expansion, export-oriented infrastructure and skill development for coastal youth.
The mission starts with recognising that traditional fishing practices alone cannot sustain families in the coming decades. The global seafood market is expanding, but it rewards scale, quality, traceability and technology integration. Kerala’s coastal youth must therefore be equipped to participate in a new era of maritime professions. Deep-sea fishing modernisation is a core component of this transformation. It includes upgrading boats with navigation systems, sonar, satellite communication, safety gear and fuel-efficient engines. Lightweight, composite-material boats can replace older wooden vessels, enabling safer, longer voyages with reduced maintenance. Training programmes in sustainable fishing techniques, ocean mapping, resource planning and crew management will help coastal youth enter more specialised roles. Kerala Vision 2047 envisions cooperatives and private operators jointly adopting deep-sea technologies, creating broader and more stable income streams.
Modernising harbours is the next critical step. Harbours across Kerala often struggle with congestion, outdated infrastructure, limited docking capacity and insufficient post-harvest facilities. Upgrading these spaces into modern coastal economic hubs will improve safety, productivity and global competitiveness. Vision 2047 includes plans for automated auction halls, hygiene-regulated unloading zones, ice plants, chill rooms, waste-management systems and digital traceability kiosks. Harbours would also require dredging, breakwater strengthening, modern lighting, CCTV networks and climate-resilient construction. With improved infrastructure, fishermen can reduce turnaround time, maintain higher product quality and secure better prices.
A robust cold-chain network is central to the mission’s ambition. Much of Kerala’s seafood loses value due to delays between catch, storage, processing and transport. Cold-chain inefficiencies shrink incomes and weaken Kerala’s position in export markets. Vision 2047 proposes a state-wide cold-chain ecosystem that includes ice production units, refrigerated trucks, coastal collection centres, preprocessing facilities and modern seafood parks. These networks will ensure that fish reaches markets fresh and in export-ready condition. Improved cold-chain systems also open opportunities for coastal youth in logistics, machine operations, quality control, digital inventory management and cold-storage maintenance.
Seafood exports represent one of the largest untapped opportunities for Kerala’s coastal Muslim communities. The global demand for high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood continues to rise. With proper branding, certification and infrastructure, Kerala can strengthen its presence in Gulf, European and East Asian markets. Seafood parks in coastal districts can serve as processing and packaging hubs, operating with international safety standards. Young entrepreneurs from the Mappila and Beary communities can enter export-oriented businesses such as value-added seafood products, dehydrated fish items, dried prawns, marinated cuts and ready-to-cook packages. Kerala Vision 2047 will also focus on international certification support, export documentation assistance, trade fairs and partnerships with global seafood buyers.
A critical aspect of the mission is training coastal youth for new-age maritime and coastal economy jobs. The younger generation must be prepared not only for fishing but also for opportunities in navigation, aquaculture, marine engineering, seafood technology, coastal tourism, port management and logistics. Specialised training institutes in coastal districts can deliver diploma and certificate courses in engine repair, refrigeration systems, net-making technologies, welding, fibre-boat construction, digital marine tools, safety standards and sustainable fishing practices. Kerala Vision 2047 also aims to introduce coastal youth to emerging sectors such as ocean farming, seaweed cultivation, pearl farming and offshore renewable energy. These sectors have strong global market potential and can supplement traditional incomes.
The Beary and Mappila communities also rely on small coastal services such as marine trading, ferry operations, coir work, food vending and net repair. The mission includes support for these micro-enterprises through subsidised loans, digital payment systems, improved stall infrastructure, safety equipment and business-skills training. Women in coastal communities, who play important roles in fish sorting, drying, selling and household management, must receive targeted support through training in hygiene practices, packaging, small-scale processing and digital market access.
Climate resilience forms a crucial pillar of the mission. Kerala’s coastline is vulnerable to erosion, cyclones, rising sea temperatures and unpredictable monsoon patterns. These challenges directly impact fishing patterns and coastal livelihoods. Kerala Vision 2047 proposes shoreline protection works, mangrove restoration, safe housing for fisher families, early-warning systems, climate-resilient harbours and insurance schemes for boats and equipment. Fishermen will be trained in climate-adaptive practices, emergency response, and alternative livelihood strategies during off seasons. Coastal youth can also be involved in marine conservation efforts, which create both employment and environmental protection.
Digital transformation is key to unlocking new levels of efficiency in coastal economies. Fishermen and harbour workers can benefit from digital apps for weather forecasts, GPS routes, fish shoal detection, mechanised auction bidding, supply-chain tracking and online fish sales. QR-based identity systems can streamline welfare schemes, subsidies and safety equipment distribution. Online marketplaces can help coastal entrepreneurs reach consumers directly, enabling them to bypass middlemen and secure higher margins. Kerala Vision 2047 encourages digital cooperatives where youth manage online operations for local fishing groups.
Another important component is strengthening social security. The mission envisions pension schemes, accident insurance, health benefits and emergency funds for fisher families. Many coastal workers face high occupational risks, and enhanced social protection is crucial for community stability. By 2047, Kerala aims to ensure that every coastal worker has access to dependable welfare schemes and that families are protected from sudden income shocks.
Cultural identity also plays a vital role. For the Mappila and Beary communities, the sea is not just a source of livelihood but a heritage. Kerala Vision 2047 honours this heritage by preserving coastal traditions, songs, food practices and community festivals. At the same time, the mission encourages youth to build confidence in navigating both cultural identity and global opportunities. A strong sense of belonging combined with modern skills creates resilient and forward-looking communities.
By 2047, Kerala’s coastal Muslims should be positioned as leaders in a modern maritime economy—owning upgraded boats, managing export ventures, operating cold-chain logistics, leading marine-engineering units, contributing to ocean-based industries and participating confidently in global seafood markets. The combination of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge technology can create a powerful economic force that uplifts entire coastal regions.
This mission is not merely an economic intervention; it is a promise to communities that have served Kerala for generations. It aims to modernise their livelihoods, enhance their dignity, and unlock their global potential. By integrating deep-sea modernisation, harbour upgrades, cold-chain expansion, export support and youth training, Kerala Vision 2047 builds a future where coastal Muslim communities thrive with strength, pride and opportunity.
