Union Minister of Fisheries launched the 6th Phase of Sagar Parikrama in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India launched Phase VI programme of the Sagar Parikrama, program on 75th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The Sagar Parikrama program has been organised through a pre-decided sea route covering coastal states/Union Territories. The two-day Phase VI was organised at Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Union Territory of India, which started from Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA) – Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Kodiyaghat, Port Blair to understand the Domestication of Tiger Shrimp Project.
Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying in the presence of Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Andaman &Nicobar, Dr L.N Murthy, National Fisheries Development Board, grace the occasion. The Sagar Parikarma would be proceeding towards the other locations like Panighat Fish landing centre, VK Pur Fish Lending Centre, Hutbay, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Islands etc.
While addressing the occasion, Rupala recognised the critical role of fish farmers in meeting the growing demand and the invaluable contributions of our fishermen and fish farmers who tirelessly work to provide a vital source of food and sustenance. Rupala emphasised sustainable fishing practices that increase productivity and minimise environmental impacts. Union Minister informed that due to the high demand of fishermen from all over the country to support them in improving their livelihood, the Prime Minister established a separate department of fisheries and from 1950 to 2014 the investment in the fisheries sector was of around Rs 3,681 crore. After that, the government introduces the schemes such as PMMSY, FIDF and others with a budget of approx. Rs. 32,000 crore. has been made for developing the fisheries sector by understanding the ground realities.
The Union Minister interacted with the beneficiaries such as fish farmers and fishermen present at the event. Many beneficiaries shared their ground-level experiences with Parshottam Rupala and highlighted their issues as well as appraised for the tremendous contribution that the KCC and PMMSY scheme has introduced in the life of fishermen and fishing communities.
