Shri Parshottam Rupala kickstarts second day program of Sagar Parikrama Phase-III

Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry Dairying at Hazira port in Gujarat as part of ‘Sagar Parikrama Phase III’

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, and National Fisheries Development Board along with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India, and fishermen representatives are taking part in the Sagar Parikrama Phase III which started on 19th Feb 2023 from Surat, Gujarat. Shri. Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, has launched the Sagar Parikrama Phase-III Yatra from Hazira Port, Gujarat, proceeding along the Maharashtra coast, has reached Satpati on 20^th Feb 2023, and ends at Sasson Dock on 21^st Feb 2023, Mumbai.

The main objectives of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ are (i) to facilitate interaction with fishermen, coastal communities and stakeholders so as to disseminate information of various fisheries related schemes and programs being implemented by the Government; (ii) demonstrating solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholder as a spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat; (iii) to promote responsible fisheries with focus on sustainable balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for food security of nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities and (iv) protection of marine ecosystems.

Phase I Programme of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ was organized in Gujarat, started on 5th March, 2022 from Mandvi and ended on 6th March 2022 at Porbandar, Gujarat. Phase II The voyage Sagar Parikrama as Phase –II programme started on 22th September 2022 from Mangrol to Veraval and ended at Mul Dwaraka, on 23rd September 2022 from Mul Dwaraka to Madhwad. Phase III Program of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ has started on 19^th Feb 2023 from Surat, Gujarat, and ends on 21^st Feb 2023 at Sasson Dock, Mumbai.

2^nd day program was kickstarted by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying at Satpati, inaugurated the “Sagar Parikrama” Marathi Song. Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, and Dr. C Suvarna, Chief Executive also graced the event. The following dignitaries also participated in the event i) Shri. Ram Naik, Ex. Governor ii) Shri. Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister for Fisheries, Maharashtra iii) Shri. Rajendra Gavit, MP, Palghar iv) Smt. Manisha Tai Choudhary v) MLA Smt Jyoti Tai Meher vi) Shri. Ramesh Dada Patil, vii) MLA Shri. Anand Palav, FDO, Satpati.

The second day event proceeded on 20^th February 2023 at Satpati, Palghar. Fishermen praised Hon’ble PM for women empowerment. 1000 fishermen and fish farmers and other dignitaries participated in the meeting at Satpati. The fishermen highlighted their issues and problems. Ex- Governor Shri. Ram Naik, UP also expressed their opinion on the betterment of fishermen’s livelihood. Shri. Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister for Fisheries, Maharashtra said that only three Departments in World, Forest, Agriculture & Water can give food to stomach. Fishermen were extremely happy due to the visit by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. The Minister of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra praised the Sagar Parikrama of 720 Km of Maharashtra. They felt that this Sagar Parikrama will help in highlighting their many important issues and economic upliftment for them. He highlighted the vedic importance of Matsya Kanya Devi Satywati who was related to Fisheries community. The Minister declared that Satpati Fish Market will be inaugurated very soon, as per the state-of-the-art standards. Similar event took place at Vasai with 3000 participants and discussion was held on the issues of fisheries sector. KCC cards were also distributed to fishers and fish farmers. Shri. Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying was welcomed by Fisher women’s with Koli Band and Tilak Poojan.

Sri Ram Naik Ji highlighted the importance of food value of fish & gas/petrol from sea. Shri Sachin Karmekar who saved Sagarika Boat, was given token of honour. Shri Atmaram Govardham was given honor for their life changing work for fishermen and fish farmers.

Shri. Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, praised all the freedom fighters of Satpati including their contribution till today. The contribution of fish farmers and fishermen in 9 states & 4 UTs were highlighted and said he will invite fishermen and fish farmers for taking up the matter of insurance & pollution very soon. Though around Rs 3600 crore was spent till 2014, however PMMSY scheme of the current Government is of Rs 20500 crore. FIDF is being used for fisheries infrastructure at various places. KCC card was also promoted to be utilized effectively by fishers and fish farmers. The sale of fish may be promoted to be sold by Zomato and shopping malls. Fish markets will be developed in such a way that cleanliness and beautification is taken care of, and anyone can pay visit to these places and feel happy. Sea ranching will be launched for the economic strengthening of fishermen and for increasing fish production. The Finance Minister announced Rs. 6000 crore budget for the development of fisheries sector this year. He further said that we must do the sustainable fishing so that we can leave sufficient resources for our future generations.

Sagar Parikrama is a program reflecting the far-reaching policy strategy of the government leading to the direct interaction with fishers and fish farmers to understand the issues coastal areas and problems related to fishermen. Phases I, II & III have brought massive changes in the development strategy of fishermen.  Sagar Parikrama program is being welcomed by fishermen and fish farmers with open heart and they see this as an instrument of their development.

The impact of the Sagar Parikrama program will have a long-lasting effect on the future generations to come and will address problems with multiple developmental issues in comprehensive manner with far reaching impact covering various sectors.

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SS/IG