Outboard Motor Subsidy Scheme (Matsyafed, Kerala)
₹30,000 toward a new outboard motor below 10 HP for a traditional fishing craft — a one-time benefit, running since 1988-89.
Run by: Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development Ltd (Matsyafed), under the Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala
- Subsidy per motor
- ₹30,000 (since 2007-08)
- Engine capacity
- Below 10 HP
- Claims per fisherman
- One-time only
- Scheme running since
- 1988-89
- Craft motorised so far
- 8,502
Overview
A non-motorised country craft keeps a fisherman close to shore, limited by how far they can paddle or sail. Matsyafed — the Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development, the state's apex fishermen's cooperative body — has run a motorisation scheme since 1988-89 to change that, subsidising outboard motors so traditional craft can reach farther fishing grounds and bring back more catch.
The subsidy has stood at ₹30,000 per outboard motor since 2007-08 — up from ₹10,000 before then — for motors below 10 HP fitted on an eligible traditional craft. It is a one-time benefit — a fisherman who has already received it once cannot claim it again on a later engine. Matsyafed is also the sole authorised importer and distributor of Suzuki outboard motors in South India, so a subsidised purchase comes through its own dealer network with manufacturer backing.
Since the scheme began, it has motorised 8,502 craft across Kerala's coastal belt, released through fishermen's cooperative societies affiliated to Matsyafed rather than as a direct individual cash payout. This is separate from Matsyafed's other Bankable Scheme, which instead reimburses 25% of a bank loan taken independently for fishing inputs — that scheme has assisted 2,211 beneficiary groups cumulatively and works through a different process entirely.
What you get
The benefit as the state notifies it — nothing here is an estimate.
- ₹30,000 subsidy toward a new outboard motor (below 10 HP) for a traditional fishing craft — the rate held since 2007-08.
- Lets a fisherman reach farther fishing grounds than a paddled or sailed country craft can manage, directly raising catch and earnings.
- Matsyafed is the sole authorised importer and distributor of Suzuki outboard motors in South India, so the subsidised engine comes with genuine manufacturer backing and service.
- One of the longest-running motorisation schemes in the country — it has motorised over 8,500 craft since it began.
Who is eligible
State schemes usually state their criteria as prose rather than a checklist. This is that prose, unpacked — the department’s verification is what decides.
You qualify if
- Traditional fisherman in Kerala who owns a fishing craft (country boat or canoe)
- Craft is fitted, or being fitted, with an outboard motor below 10 HP
- Has not already received this subsidy on an earlier engine — it is a one-time benefit per fisherman
- Registered member of a Matsyafed-affiliated primary fishermen's cooperative society
Not covered
- Motors of 10 HP or above
- A fisherman who has already availed the subsidy once before
- Craft not registered with a Matsyafed-affiliated fishermen's cooperative society
Documents you need
Have these ready before you start — most rejections are a missing paper, not a missing right.
- Fisherman identity card or cooperative society membership proof
- Craft ownership proof
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details for subsidy adjustment/transfer
How to apply
Fewer steps than a central scheme, and usually one office rather than a portal.
- 1
Apply through your fishermen's cooperative society
Approach your local Matsyafed-affiliated primary fishermen's cooperative society and register for the outboard motor subsidy.
- 2
Buy the motor through Matsyafed
Purchase a Suzuki outboard motor below 10 HP through Matsyafed's own distribution network, which already accounts for the subsidy in the process.
- 3
Subsidy adjusted or released
The ₹30,000 subsidy is adjusted against the purchase price or released to the fisherman after verification — remember it is a one-time benefit.
If something goes wrong
Missing from the list, or payment stuck — here is the channel the department itself publishes for it.
- Issues with the application or subsidy release should first be raised with your local fishermen's cooperative society or a Matsyafed district office — the head office can also be reached at 0471-2458606/2457756 or [email protected].
- If unresolved, escalate to the Chief Minister's Public Grievance Redressal Cell — Kerala's general public-grievance system — on the toll-free helpline 1076, or through the portal at cmo.kerala.gov.in.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get this subsidy twice, for two boats?
No. It's a one-time benefit per fisherman — once you have received it on one engine, you are not eligible again on a second.
What if I want a 15 HP motor instead?
The subsidy only applies to outboard motors below 10 HP. A more powerful engine won't qualify under this scheme.
Do I have to buy the motor from Matsyafed itself?
Yes — Matsyafed is the sole authorised distributor for these subsidised motors, and South India's sole importer of Suzuki outboard motors, so the purchase and subsidy both run through its network.
I heard about a 25%-of-loan subsidy from Matsyafed too — is that the same scheme?
No — that's Matsyafed's separate Bankable Scheme, which reimburses 25% of a bank loan a fisherman has taken independently for fishing inputs, released directly to the bank. It works through a different process and is not the flat ₹30,000 outboard-motor subsidy described here.
Facts checked against matsyafed.in on 8 September 2026. editorial policy.