Sagar Parikrama Phase X: Empowering Fisherwomen, Fishermen, Aqua Farmers, and PMMSY Beneficiaries for a Thriving Fisheries Community

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (FAHD), launched the Sagar Parikrama Phase X from Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in the Nellore district to interact directly with the fishing community and address their issues. In the coming days, the parikrama is expected to pass through several coastal districts, including Yanam district (Union Territory of Puducherry), Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, National Fisheries Development Board, along with the Departments of Fisheries from the Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, Indian Coast Guard, and representatives from the fishing community actively participated in Sagar Parikrama Phase X. The launch event at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour witnessed the presence of key dignitaries.

Interactive Session with Beneficiaries

Union Minister Parshottam Rupala engaged in a meaningful interaction with beneficiaries, including fisherwomen, fishermen, aqua farmers, and PMMSY beneficiaries at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour. Felicitating the beneficiaries with assets such as boats and two-wheelers with ice boxes under the PMMSY scheme, the Union Minister also distributed appointment letters to newly appointed Sagar Mitras. Additionally, beneficiaries were honoured with Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for fishers. The beneficiaries shared their experiences, and challenges, and expressed gratitude for the positive impact of the KCC and PMMSY schemes on their lives.

Commissioning of Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour

Parshottam Rupala announced that the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour at Nellore, approved under the Blue Revolution scheme with a total cost of Rs 288.80 Cr, will be commissioned soon. The development is expected to enhance the infrastructure and facilities for the fishing community in the region.

Insight into Sagar Parikrama's Objectives

Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, provided an overview of Sagar Parikrama, emphasizing its goal to connect with fishermen at their doorsteps, understand their difficulties, witness ground-level realities, encourage sustainable fishing practices, and ensure the effective implementation of government initiatives.

Continued Impact at Kothapatnam, Prakasam District

The Sagar Parikrama Phase X program will continue at Kothapatnam, Prakasam district, where Union Minister Parshottam Rupala and other dignitaries will interact with beneficiaries, distribute various benefits, and address the gathering. The initiative is expected to significantly improve the quality of life in rural areas, creating more livelihood opportunities for the fishing community.

Through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), the government aims to uplift the economic status of the fishing community and ensure sustainable coastal development.