The Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, and Minister of State, Dr. L Murugan, undertook a visit to the shrimp food processing unit at Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park in Tundurru Village, Bhimavaram. The inspection took place on the third day of the Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-X. Following the inspection, the Yatra reached Antarvedi Palem in the Konasema district. Minister Rupala and other dignitaries engaged with beneficiaries, including fish farmers, fishermen, fisherwomen group representatives, and aqua farmer representatives.
The beneficiaries shared their on-the-ground experiences and highlighted the positive impact of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) schemes in their lives. Minister Rupala felicitated beneficiaries, including fishermen and fish farmers, with the sanction of Kisan Credit Cards.
Mission for Fishermen Upliftment
The Sagar Parikrama Phase-X Yatra continued to Yanam, where Minister Rupala emphasized the mission to uplift fishermen's economic and social development. He reiterated the government's commitment to understanding the needs of the fishing community across coastal states. Minister Rupala also shared insights into the nationwide rural awareness campaign, 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra,' aimed at disseminating information and extending the benefits of various schemes to beneficiaries.
Promoting Fisheries Sector Development
Kakinada Fishing Harbour, Andhra Pradesh: The Yatra progressed to Kakinada Fishing Harbour, where Minister Rupala, along with Dr. L Murugan and Andhra Pradesh Fisheries Minister, Seediri Appala Raju, interacted with various stakeholders, including fishermen, fisherwomen, and boat owners’ associations. Minister Rupala handed over approval for the Broodstock Multiplication Centre (BMC) facility to M/s Kona Bay India Private Limited in Srikakulam District.
Empowering Fishermen with Assets
Minister Rupala distributed assets such as boats and two-wheelers with ice boxes to beneficiaries. Cheques and certificates were also provided under the Entrepreneur Model of the PMMSY scheme. The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) was sanctioned to further empower the fishing community.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, recounting their experiences and highlighting the transformative impact of the KCC and PMMSY schemes on their lives. The program at Kakinada included interactions with feed industry representatives, hatchery operators, and other stakeholders.
Andhra Pradesh's Fisheries Potential
With 974 kms of coastline, Andhra Pradesh boasts diverse water resources and significantly contributes to the country's fish production. Besides marine fisheries, the state is renowned for its inland fishing activities.
