Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala spoke at the Sagar Parikrama Phase IV programme, where he brought forth the importance of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY) scheme and other dynamic activities being undertaken to boost the Blue revolution. To improve the fishery sector’s productivity, he announced that the government would be focusing on the creation of a Fishing Harbour, fish landing centres ice plants and cold storage facilities.
These facilities will be developed at Majali and Belambara in Karnataka along with a few other areas in the region.
“The investment in the fisheries sector from 1950-2014 has been around Rs. 3,681 crore. From 2014, the government has introduced schemes like PMMSY with budgets of Rs. 20,500 crore, FIDF with a budget of around Rs. 8,000 crore, and Blue Revolution with a budget of Rs 3000 crore. The total comes around to Rs. 32,000- all of which has been carefully planned out,” he said.
He added, “Our government trusts the local and indigenous knowledge and expects them to participate with their generational wisdom in the progress of the country.” He further stated that nations across the globe were looking at India for solutions.
The official release of the ministry stated that the minister had interacted with different stakeholders in order to understand their problems and hopes. Moreover, he also reviewed the progress of pre-existing schemes like PMMSY in the coastal areas. He also highlighted the need to create awareness among fishermen for KCC.
Assessment of India’s oceanic wealth was a key point of focus; with emphasis on how it could contribute to the nation’s economy.
According to the official release, ‘Sagar Parikrama’ has the following objectives:
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Initiate interaction with fishermen, coastal communities and stakeholders.
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Spread information about various fisheries-related schemes and programs being implemented by the Government.
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Support and encourage fisher folk, fish farmers, and concerned stakeholder as a spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
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Promote sustainable fisheries for India’s food security and livelihood of coastal fisher communities and protection of the marine ecosystem
According to the press release, the Phase I Program of "Sagar Parikrama" began in Gujarat on March 5, 2022, at Mandvi, and ended there on March 6, 2022.
Phase II The Sagar Parikrama as a part of the Phase-II program began on September 22, 2022, from Mangrol to Veraval and ended on September 23, 2022, from Mul Dwaraka to Madhwad. Beginning on February 19th, 2023, in Surat, Gujarat, and ending on February 21st, 2023, at Sasson Dock, Bombay, is the "Sagar Parikrama" Phase III Program. The fourth phase of the program began at Mormugao Port in Goa on March 17 and will conclude on March 19 in Mangalore, according to the press release.
“Phase I, II, and III have been successful in bringing changes in the development strategy. We have a better understanding of the fisherman’s problems. The Sagar Parikrama Phase IV is undoubtedly being welcomed by fishermen, fish farmers and other marine stakeholders,” The release said.
