Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala along with MoS Dr. L Murugan visited and inspected the shrimp food processing unit at Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park of Tundurru Village Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh on the 3rd day of Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-X.
Later Yatra reached at Antarvedi palem, Konasema district of Andhra Pradesh. Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala and other dignitaries interacted with beneficiaries present at the event such as fish farmers, fishermen, fisherwomen group representatives, aqua farmer representative. Many beneficiaries shared their ground level experiences with Shri Rupala and highlighted their issues as well as praised for the tremendous contribution that KCC and PMMSY scheme has introduced in their life. Shri Rupala felicitated the beneficiaries like fishermen, fish farmers and other stakeholders with sanction of Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
Sagar Parikrama Phase-X Yatra continued and reached to Yanam, Union Territory of Puducherry. Here, Union Minister Shri Rupala shared that upliftment of fishermen; their economic and social development by understanding their requirements is the key mission of this visit. The visit across the coastal states also aims at understanding the issues of other stakeholders working in the fisheries sector. He said that Government is conducting a nationwide rural awareness campaign named as “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” for disseminating information, raising awareness and extending benefits from various schemes including KCC and PMMSY for beneficiaries. Further, Shri Parshottam Rupala interacted and felicitated the beneficiaries and representatives of coastal region with assets under schemes like PMMSY and KCC. He said that the fishermen have shown keen interest towards highlighting their issues and thanked the dignitaries for creating awareness on schemes and programs such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), FIDF and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) etc.
Dr. L Murugan also shared his views about improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people in rural areas on creation of livelihood opportunities in fisheries sector. He highlighted on the announcement made by Government in 2019 about setting up of separate Department of fisheries which was immediately approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Taking forward, Shri Parshottam Rupala along with MoS Dr. L Murugan, Minister for Fisheries of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Seediri Appala Raju in the presence of Member of Parliament, Smt. V. Geetha, and other public authorities visited Kakinada Fishing Harbour, Andhra Pradesh. Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala interacted with fishermen, fisherwomen, representatives of mechanized and motorized boat owners’ association, representatives of dry fish vendors association, other PMMSY and KCC beneficiaries at Kakinada Fishing Harbour. Minister handed over the the approval letter to M/s Kona Bay India Private Limited, at Kotapalem, Ranastalam Mandal Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh for operations of the Broodstock Multiplication Centre (BMC) facility. Shri Rupala felicitated beneficiaries with assets such as (boats, two-wheeler with ice box); distributed Cheques & Certificates under Entrepreneur Model under PMMSY scheme and sanctioned KCC.
Beneficiaries also recounted their own experiences, highlighted their challenges, and expressed thanks for the massive impact the KCC and PMMSY schemes on the lives of fishermen and the fishing community. Program shall remain continued at Kakinada, where, Shri Parshottam Rupala, with other dignitaries would interact with feed industry, hatchery operators and other stakeholders. Approximately 7,500 fishermen, fisheries stakeholders, and students travelled from various locations to participate in the Sagar Parikrama Phase-X programme.
Andhra Pradesh state is blessed with potential and diversified water resources with 974 kms of coastline. It contributes a great deal to the fish production in the country. Apart from Marine Fisheries, the state is also popular for inland fishing activities as well.
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