The Sagar Parikrama Phase X concluded with the active participation of more than 2000 fishermen, women, Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders at the Fish Food Festival held at VRC Grounds, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
Initiated by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, Sagar Parikrama Phase X commenced on October 13, 2023, from Chennai Port, Tamil Nadu. The initiative reached Krishnapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where Shri Rupala visited the Ramnagar Fishing village and interacted with active fisherman Shri Prasad.
Shri Rupala inaugurated the Fish Food Festival at VRC Ground Nellore, visited various stalls, and interacted with entrepreneurs, FFPOs, fishers, and fisherwomen. He appreciated the natural fish products showcased at the festival.
In his address, Union Minister Shri Rupala highlighted the significance of the fisheries sector, which is directly related to about 3 crore fishers and their families, covering approximately 8000 km of the coastal line. He stressed the importance of enhancing awareness of various schemes like PMMSY, where more than 100 activities/projects are available with government support. Shri Rupala emphasized the need for Sagar Parikrama, a massive outreach program that provides opportunities for fishers to meet and interact with ministers, officers, and stakeholders to address their issues.
Shri Rupala mentioned that about 1.58 lakh Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) have been provided to fishers, aiming to cover all fishers in the country. He handed over Daily Fish Kiosks and Live Fish Vending Centers to beneficiaries, along with Live Fish Transport vehicles/Insulated Vehicles under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampda Yojana.
The Union Minister assured that all representations received during the Sagar Parikrama visit would be carefully addressed, and the Union Government would continue to support the states for the overall development of the fisheries sector and the welfare of fishermen, coastal communities, and stakeholders. The Sagar Parikrama Yatra in Andhra Pradesh will be planned soon in consultation with the state government and fishermen.
Minister of Fisheries, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Shri S. Appalaraju, and other dignitaries graced the occasion, highlighting the importance of the fisheries sector and various government schemes for the betterment of fishers and their families. The event concluded with the presence of fishers, FFPOs, fisheries entrepreneurs, and officials from the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). “Sagar Parikrama” is a transformative journey planned across the coastal belt to show solidarity with fisher folks, fish farmers, and related stakeholders.