Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala led the Sagar Parikrama Phase-XII in West Bengal. Sagar Parikrama Phase- XII program began at Digha, Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal where Shri Rupala interacted with beneficiaries. An introductory address was given by Joint Secretary, DoF, Smt Neetu Kumari Prasad, enlightened on Sagar Parikrama Phase- XII who recognized the critical role of fishermen, fisherwomen, fish farmers and highlighted the benefits of the schemes implemented by Government of India such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) & Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
During the event, beneficiaries highlighted their concerns and challenges such as diesel subsidy. Union Minister said that the objective of Sagar Parikrama was to interact with beneficiaries at their doorstep. He highlighted that projects of approx. Rs 150 Cr. amount has been sanctioned under the PMMSY scheme which includes hatcheries, ornamental fish unit, insulated vehicles, fish feed meal, two-wheelers, auto rickshaw etc. Because of this around 750 fishermen of the district got benefits and approx.16,000 KCC have been distributed to beneficiaries. Further, he informed that necessary steps will be taken on the challenges being faced.
Proceeding further, Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-XII reached Shankarpur Fishing Harbour. Union Minister (FAHD) and other public authorities interacted with beneficiaries. Shri Rupala highlighted that project of approx. Rs 45 Cr. amount has been sanctioned for Shankarpur Fishing Harbour. He has also shared his opinion that conducting the PMMSY scheme activities shall have a significant impact on the fisheries sector in India. PMMSY aims to enhance the production, productivity of fish through the adoption of modern and scientific methods of fisheries. Beneficiaries shared their success stories and were happy to inform that they got benefitted with the assets (like two-wheeler with icebox) under PMMSY scheme.
Taking forward, Shri Parshottam Rupala and other public authorities continued the on-ground interaction with fisherwomen, fishermen, fish farmers at various coastal regions such as Petuaghat Fishing Harbour, Bakkhali and Ganga Sagar of West Bengal. Union Minister shared the fisheries development opportunities with local people representatives. He expressed his belief that the PMMSY programme will have a substantial impact on Indian Fisheries Sector. He thanked fishermen, fish farmer for sharing their experiences and suggesting the mechanism to augment the fisheries sector development.
Dr L.N Murthy, Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board, Fishermen Association and Fishermen Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal were also present on the occasion. In all around approx. 4,200 fishermen, various fisheries stakeholders, scholars attended the Sagar Parikrama Phase- XII program physically.
“Sagar Parikrama” is transformative journey planned across the coastal belt to show solidarity with the fisher folks, fish farmers and related stakeholders. Sagar Parikrama Phase-XII has reached West Bengal after the successful journey of eleven phases of Sagar Parikrama Yatra.
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