Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (FAH&D) Shri Parshottam Rupala, accompanied by Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan, will inaugurate the 9th phase of Sagar Parikrama on October 7, 2023, in Thondi, Ramnad District, Tamil Nadu. This initiative aims to connect with the coastal fishing communities across the nation and raise awareness about various government schemes for their benefit. During the program, certificates and sanctions related to schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) will be distributed to fishers and beneficiaries. The Ministers will also review the progress of schemes related to Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
The event will feature interactions with fishers, literature dissemination about government schemes, and stage functions at various fishing harbors along the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coastline. Sagar Parikrama is a nationwide outreach program designed to engage with the fishing community, understand their challenges and aspirations, and create awareness about government initiatives. Officials from the fisheries departments of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, along with various stakeholders, will participate in the program.
Tamil Nadu, with its extensive coastline and rich fisheries biodiversity, plays a significant role in marine, brackish water, and inland fisheries. The sector provides livelihood opportunities to over a million people and contributes significantly to the state’s agriculture GDP and foreign exchange earnings. The Sagar Parikrama initiative has covered 4,115 km across eight coastal states and union territories, promoting responsible fisheries and disseminating information about government schemes for the welfare of fishing communities.