Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, has embarked on a remarkable initiative called "Sagar Parikrama," which involves visiting coastal areas across the entire country along a predetermined sea route.
The purpose of this journey is to meet with fishermen, fish farmers, and beneficiaries of various government schemes, allowing the minister to directly hear their issues and suggestions. The primary goal is to uplift the fisheries sector in the country for the benefit of the fishers and other stakeholders.
The seventh phase will include visits to coastal areas of Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, encompassing locations such as Mangalore, Kasargode, Madakkara, Pallikkara, Chalium, Kanhangadu, Kozhikode, Mahe (Puducherry), Beypore, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kochi, and the islands of Lakshadweep, namely Kavaratti, Bangaram, and Agatti.
Kerala, with its 590 kilometers of rich coastline, relies significantly on the fisheries sector for its economy and the socio-economic well-being of fishers and other stakeholders. The state is home to around 222 marine fishing villages, where fishing and related activities provide livelihoods to a vast majority of the population. Kerala's aquatic biodiversity and fish wealth sustain over 1 million fisherfolk and support numerous additional activities, including commercial fishing and aquaculture.
On the other hand, Lakshadweep boasts a vast lagoon spanning 4,200 square kilometers, territorial waters of 20,000 square kilometers, an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 4,00,000 square kilometers, and a coastal line stretching about 132 kilometers. The sea surrounding the Union Territory of Lakshadweep is rich in pelagic fishery resources, particularly tuna fish resources.
During the Sagar Parikrama event in Kerala and Lakshadweep from June 8 to 12, 2023, Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. L Murugan, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Saji Cherian, Minister for Fisheries, Government of Kerala, and senior officials from the Union and State Government, UT Administration of Lakshadweep, National Fisheries Development Board, Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India, and fishermen representatives will participate.
The Sagar Parikrama events will also include the distribution of certificates and sanctions related to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada scheme (PMMSY) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to progressive fishermen, fishers, fish farmers, young fishery entrepreneurs, and others. Furthermore, literature on various schemes such as PMMSY, UT schemes, e-shram, FIDF, and KCC will be promoted through print media, electronic media, videos, and digital campaigns to ensure wider awareness and participation among fishers.
Sagar Parikrama aims to disseminate information about fisheries-related schemes and programs implemented by the government, showcase best practices, promote responsible fisheries, and demonstrate solidarity with all fisherfolk and stakeholders.
