Parshottam Rupala leads the Sagar Parikrama Phase-X on its fourth day at Uppada Fishing Harbour, Andhra Pradesh
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala along with MoS Dr. L Murugan led the Sagar Parikrama Phase-X on its fourth day at Uppada Fishing Harbour, East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Shri Rupala interacted with beneficiaries during the event and emphasized about focusing on increasing fisheries production, productivity, and its associated activities, including infrastructure development, marketing, exports, and institutional arrangements. Further, beneficiaries were felicitated with Kisan Credit Cards and assets such as four-wheeler under PMMSY scheme. Beneficiaries actively participated and shared their ground level experiences and success stories. Union Minister and MoS, Minister of Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh and Sarpanch of the Village including many dignitaries from democratic society were available together to understand the problems and issues of the Fisher folk and related Stakeholders.
Taking forward, Shri Parshottam Rupala along with other dignitaries touched the districts of Visakhapatnam at Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour to interact with fishermen, coastal communities, and stakeholders to disseminate information of various fisheries related schemes and programs such as PMMSY, KCC. During the event, asset distribution such as (two-wheeler vehicles with icebox, four-wheeler with icebox, live fish vending unit), certificates/sanctions related to Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada scheme, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) has been awarded to the progressive fishermen, especially coastal fishermen, fishers and fish farmers, young fisheries entrepreneurs, women fish farmers etc.
Union Minister discussed the issues and opportunities with local people representatives. Various applications were also received from beneficiaries to strengthen the fisheries ecosystem. Shri Parshottam Rupala also said that conducting the PMMSY scheme activities shall have a significant impact on the fisheries sector in India. He said that this scheme aims to enhance the production and productivity of fish through the adoption of modern technology and scientific methods of fishing and aquaculture. He requested volunteers to provide support in creating awareness of the schemes so that our fishermen, fish farmers can take the benefit of the KCC and support themselves in improving their own lives. Beneficiaries came forward and highlighted the challenges related to infrastructure, fishermen rights. This interactive session helped fishermen, fish farmers to share their ground realities, experiences and the issues faced by them.
Shri Rupala informed said that Andhra Pradesh has received the maximum amount of assistance from Government of India. He said that all places and people belonging to the fisheries community have been covered during Sagar Parikrama in Andhra Pradesh. Women participation was very high at all places of the event. Further, he said that necessary reservations have been given to women to come forward in all walks of life including cropping up of fisheries and aquaculture.
MoS Dr L. Murugan informed that major initiatives have been taken such as setting up KCC camps, team for grievance redressal and team of technical officers for inspection of various infrastructure facilities across coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Shri S. Appala Raju, Minister for Fisheries of Andhra Pradesh, in the presence of Smt. V. Geetha, Member of Parliament, Shri Pendem Dorababu, MLA Pithapuram, Smt. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary and other public authorities also visited Uppada Fishing Harbour, East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh.
The fourth day of programme was an enormous success. Approx. 8,400 people physically attending the event at various places. The program was also live streamed on YouTube and other social media platforms. As a result, positive impact of Sagar Parikrama will be there on the livelihood and holistic development of fishermen and fisher folk. Sagar Parikrama will go a long way and will be extensive to positively put impact on life and livelihood of fisher folk and related stakeholders.
Fisheries sector is emerging as a sunrise sector and has immense potential for bringing equitable and inclusive growth by economic empowerment of the weaker sections of the society. Sagar Parikrama is contributing immensely in disseminating information on fisheries related schemes/programs implemented by Government, highlighting the best practices, promoting responsible fisheries and demonstrating solidarity with all fisher folks and concerned stakeholders.