Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, and Minister of State, Dr. L Murugan, are due to participate in the Sagar Parikrama (Phase X) event in a key initiative aimed at boosting the welfare of the fishing community and coastal development. The event is set to take place in several sites across Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry from January 1, 2024 to January 6, 2024. The Union Ministers will play a pivotal role in the distribution of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to beneficiaries, including fishermen, aqua farmers, and other stakeholders.
The distribution of KCC aims to empower progressive fishermen, especially those in coastal areas, fish farmers, young fisheries entrepreneurs, and other key contributors to the fisheries sector.
Showcasing Best Practices under PMMSY Scheme
During the events, best practices and initiatives implemented through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, KCC, and other related programs will be highlighted. The dissemination of these practices is intended to provide substantial benefits to fishermen, ensuring they are well-informed about the schemes designed for their upliftment.
The event will witness the participation of senior officials from the Department of Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh, National Fisheries Development Board, Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India, fishermen associations, and other dignitaries. The collaborative effort aims to create a platform for meaningful discussions and interactions between key stakeholders in the fisheries sector.
Sagar Parikrama Yatra: A Journey of Progress
Integral to the initiative is the Sagar Parikrama Yatra, which facilitates direct interactions between the Ministers and the fishing community, fish farmers, and other relevant stakeholders. The campaign extends beyond the event days, with outreach activities on KCC and other related programs being conducted across coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry.
The Sagar Parikrama journey commenced with its first phase from Mandvi, Gujarat, on March 5, 2022. Nine phases have been successfully covered in various coastal states and union territories. Phase-X will continue to cover the remaining coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, namely Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and Yanam (Union Territory of Puducherry).
Andhra Pradesh's Fisheries Potential
Andhra Pradesh, with its abundant water resources, boasts 974 km of coastline, 33,227 km of continental shelf area, 555 marine fishermen villages, and numerous infrastructure facilities, including fishing harbors, fish landing centers, and processing plants.
Investment Under PMMSY in Andhra Pradesh
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the government has allocated a total investment of Rs. 2300 Crore for the fisheries sector in Andhra Pradesh. Projects under PMMSY include the construction of fish landing centers, fishing harbors, cold storages, and the acquisition of new deep-sea fishing vessels, among others.
Transformative Impact of Sagar Parikrama
Sagar Parikrama stands as a testament to visionary leadership, aiming to address the issues of fishermen and other stakeholders. The initiative aligns with the government's commitment to the economic upliftment of the fishing community through various schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Kisan Credit Card for Fisheries (KCC).
Sagar Parikrama is making a notable impact on improving the quality of life and economic well-being of the fishing community. By providing a platform for direct interaction with Ministers and senior government officials, the initiative ensures that the concerns and issues of fishermen and fish farmers are addressed promptly.
