Parshottam Rupala Unveils Sagar Parikrama Phase-III from Hazira Port in Gujarat

The first phase of the 'Sagar Parikrama' programme was held in Gujarat, beginning on March 5, 2022 in Mandvi and ending on March 6, 2022 in Porbandar. Phase II The voyage Sagar Parikrama as Phase -II programme began on September 22, 2022, from Mangrol to Veraval and ended on September 23, 2022, from Mul Dwaraka to Madhwad. The 'Sagar Parikrama' Phase III Program begins on February 19th, 2023, from Surat, Gujarat, and concludes on February 21st, 2023, at Sasson Dock, Mumbai.

The event is attended by representatives from the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, and National Fisheries Development Board, as well as the Department of Fisheries, Government of Gujarat, Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India, Gujarat Maritime Board, and fishermen. Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary, Government of India, and senior officials from the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, National Fisheries Development Board, Fishery Survey of India, and Indian Coast Guard attend the event. State Fisheries officials, Fishermen representatives, Fish-Farmers, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, professionals, officials, and scientists from across the country accompany the journey.

The main goals of 'Sagar Parikrama' are as follows:

• To facilitate interaction with fishermen, coastal communities and stakeholders so as to disseminate information of various fisheries related schemes and programs being implemented by the Government

• Demonstrating solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholder as a spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat;

• To promote responsible fisheries with focus on sustainable balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for food security of nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities

• Protection of marine ecosystems

The journey of Sagar Parikrama focuses on the sustainable balance between the utilisation of marine fisheries resources for the nation's food security and the livelihoods of coastal fisher communities, as well as the protection of marine ecosystems, to bridge the gaps between fisher communities and their expectations, development of fishing villages, upgradation and creation of infrastructure such as fishing harbours and landing centres to ensure sustainable and responsible development.

The Sagar Parikrama programme is celebrated in all coastal States/UTs along a pre-determined sea route down from Gujarat, Diu, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar, and Lakshadweep Islands to interact with fishermen, fisher communities, and stakeholders in these locations to learn about the problems of Coastal Fisher folk. A holistic approach has been taken to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of rural fishers and fishermen, as well as to create more livelihood opportunities.

Press conference on Sagar Parikrama Phase-III is presided over by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, and is attended by Veljibhai Masani, Fishermen Leader, Bharatbhai Pandy, Ex MLA, and officers from the control and state governments. Dr. C. Suvarna, Chief Executive Officer of the NFDB, Sagar Mehra, JS, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and Nitin Sangwan, IAS, Director, Government of Gujarat are also in attendance.

The meeting highlights the following projects:

• Gujarat is the leading state in marine fish production, sharing 16.67 per cent of the country's total marine fish productions.

• Maharashtra state is sixth position in Marine fish production in India which contributes to 4.33 lakh tonnes.

• Marine capture fisheries in India account for 3.71 million tonnes during 2021, and it is well understood that the marine capture fisheries of our country are vulnerable.

• The initiation of programs like Sagar Parikrama facilitates the interaction with the fishers along the coast, thus promoting sustainable and responsible fishing with due importance to the small-scale fishers and their interests.

• The DoF is making concerted efforts to increase the coverage of a large number of fishers and fish farmers for providing KCC facilities, including organizing special drives from time-to-time, organizing sensitization programmes, mass and individual extension activities such as distribution of pamphlets, conducting of awareness campaign in vernacular languages, newspaper articles, advertisement, etc.

Sagar Parikrama is a programme that reflects the government's far-reaching policy strategy, resulting in direct interaction with fishers and fish farmers to understand coastal issues and problems. Phases I and II saw the start of Artificial Reefs and Sea Ranching, among other numerous benefits.