The Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-IX successfully concluded on Monday in Chennai. This transformative journey, which commenced on October 7, 2023, in Thiruvadanai, Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, aimed to address the concerns of fisherfolk, fish farmers, and other stakeholders along the coastal belt.
During its nine-day expedition, the Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-IX covered a vast swath of territory, including Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam districts in Tamil Nadu, Karaikal district in the Union Territory of Puducherry, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore districts, and Puducherry. The journey involved extensive interactions with local communities to understand their issues and foster sustainable fishing practices.
Approximately 11,100 participants, including fishermen, fisherwomen, scholars, and various fisheries stakeholders, attended the Phase-IX program. Of these, a significant number—approximately 4,600—were fisherwomen, reflecting the inclusive nature of the initiative. In total, the yatra engaged with around 32,300 beneficiaries from Tamil Nadu's entire coastal region and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Sagar Parikrama's mission extends beyond symbolism, aiming to resolve issues faced by fishers and related stakeholders by providing a platform to voice their difficulties and grievances. The program emphasizes grassroots engagement and promotes sustainable fishing practices. The journey culminated with an interaction between Union Ministers and senior dignitaries at the Chennai Fishing Harbour.
Discussions revolved around the effective utilization of government schemes, with a focus on the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying expressed optimism that the implementation of PMMSY would significantly benefit India's fisheries sector, boosting income for fishermen and fish farmers while enhancing food security and nutrition through increased fish availability.
Furthermore, the Union Minister inaugurated infrastructure projects with a total cost of Rs. 9,246.59 lakhs, approved under PMMSY. These projects included the construction of Fish Landing Centers at Periyakalapet and Nallavadu, as well as the expansion of the existing Fishing Harbour at Veerampattinam.
Leading the Phase-IX of Sagar Parikrama, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, along with key officials, visited various Fish Landing Centers, including Anumandai in Villupuram District and Pudupattinam in Chengalpattu District. During these visits, the Minister and dignitaries engaged with fishermen and fish farmers, appreciating their contributions and discussing improvements in infrastructure and fish handling.
The journey also included a stop at Mamallapuram Kuppam Fish Landing Centre, where the Union Minister and senior dignitaries interacted with beneficiaries and members of the All India mp Hatchery Association (AISHA). Discussions centered on disease surveillance programs in fisheries, human resource training, and the promotion of seeding and breeding of fish. Parshottam Rupala encouraged AISHA members to strive for global leadership in mp production and related products.
In addition to these interactions, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala conducted a review meeting with officials from the Department of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, Government of Tamil Nadu. He emphasized the importance of regular monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms to ensure transparency and trust among beneficiaries. The Minister also stressed the need for prompt implementation of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) to enhance animal health care.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries (DoF), had the opportunity to interact with fisherwomen during the event. He highlighted the success of the pre-Saturation Sagar Parikrama Phase-IX, which ran from September 30 to October 6, 2023, covering 11 districts and 64 locations in Tamil Nadu and two districts in Puducherry.
This campaign, focusing on Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), PMMSY, and FIDF, resulted in KCC applications worth Rs 531.30 lakhs being sanctioned, benefiting 1,599 fishermen, fish farmers, and fisher societies in eight districts.
