Kufos unveils Rs 75 crore budget, focus on academic expansion and blue economy innovation

Kochi: Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) unveiled a Rs 75.5-crore budget for 2026–27, with a strong focus on academic expansion, blue economy innovation and global partnerships.The budget was presented by vice-chancellor A Biju Kumar. Of the total outlay, Rs 37.50 crore was earmarked for plan expenditure, Rs 33.51 crore for non-plan and Rs 4.52 crore through externally aided projects. The university also aims to boost internal revenue by leveraging its assets, including farms, a swimming pool complex and farm tourism initiatives at its Puthuvype campus. A major highlight is the introduction of new four-year undergraduate programmes and integrated five-year UG–PG courses aimed at improving employability and interdisciplinary learning. These include a BBA programme and integrated courses in Marine Biology, Ocean Science, Climate and Data Analytics, and Food Science and Technology. The programmes will be offered in collaboration with leading national institutions such as National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and KSCSTE–Institute for Climate Change Studies (ICCS), with a focus on hands-on training, internships and research exposure. The university will also relaunch its MSc Marine Biology programme with support from Deep Ocean Mission of ministry of earth sciences, offering fellowships and advanced training aligned with national ocean research priorities. To strengthen industry linkages, Kufos plans to introduce industry-led PhD programmes, ‘courses on demand' tailored to blue economy sectors. Online courses on ocean literacy and India's maritime heritage are also in the pipeline. The budget emphasises extension and outreach activities, including ICT-based learning materials for fishers and coastal communities, and a proposal to adopt a coastal village to promote climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods. In research and innovation, funds were allocated for patent support, a new learning management system, and the appointment of professors of practice and honorary faculty from overseas institutions. Plans are also under way to establish a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Skills and Blue Economy, along with a brood bank and model seaweed farm. The university will institute a ‘Kufos Fisheries Guru Award' to recognise excellence in fisheries education. Officials said the budget aligns with national and state education policies and reinforces Kufos's vision of becoming a globally connected, innovation-driven institution contributing to sustainable fisheries, climate-resilient coastal systems and blue economy growth.