Union Minister (FAHD) Parshottam Rupala, along with MoS Dr. L Murugan, spearheaded the Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-X, focusing on the fisheries sector, on its fifth day at Chintapalli Village in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. The leaders engaged with beneficiaries, discussing the progress of the Boat Jetty and fish landing center project. During the visit, Parshottam Rupala felicitated beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme and distributed Fish Farmers Producer Organization (FFPO) certificates.
Additionally, beneficiaries were honored with Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). The beneficiaries shared their experiences, challenges, and expressed gratitude for the positive impact of the KCC and PMMSY schemes on their lives.
Dr. L Murugan's Contribution:
On the sidelines, MoS Dr. L Murugan attended the Viskit Bharat Sankalp Yatra at Cherukupalli Village, Bhogapuram Mandal. Dr. Murugan emphasized the importance of improving the quality of life and economic well-being in rural areas through the creation of livelihood opportunities in the fisheries sector.
Budagatlapalem Interaction:
As the Sagar Parikrama Phase-X progressed, the Union Minister reached Budagatlapalem in the Srikakulam District. Here, he engaged with beneficiaries for the mobile aqua lab. Fishermen raised concerns about the need for a Mini Jetty and requested separate subsidies for boats and nets. Parshottam Rupala assured that necessary steps would be taken to address the challenges faced by fishermen.
Addressing Challenges of Coastal Communities:
The Union Minister addressed the gathering, felicitating beneficiaries with FFPO certificates, assets (MFRO Units) under the PMMSY scheme, and KCC for fishers. Discussions with local representatives highlighted various challenges and development opportunities in the fisheries sector. Parshottam Rupala expressed optimism about the substantial impact of the PMMSY program on increasing fish production and productivity through technological advancements and scientific fishing methods.
Notable figures present during the event included G.V.L Narasimha Rao, Member of Rajya Sabha, B. Appala Naidu, Member of Assembly, Nagalakshmi. S, Collector & District Magistrate, Vizianagaram, and K.Mayur Ashok, Joint Collector, AP.
Success of Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-X:
The Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-X, which ran from January 1, 2024, to January 6, 2024, achieved its goal of interacting with fishermen, coastal communities, and stakeholders. The Yatra covered various coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, including Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konasema, Kakinada, Union Territory of Puducherry, Yanam, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram & Srikakulam district. The Yatra concluded successfully, reaching its milestone of 100 locations.
Approximately 31,400 beneficiaries, including fishermen, fish farmers, fisherwomen, and other stakeholders, actively participated in Sagar Parikrama Phase-X. The Yatra facilitated the dissemination of information about various fisheries-related schemes and programs implemented by the Government, promoting responsible fisheries and demonstrating solidarity with all stakeholders.
As Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-X wraps up successfully, the upcoming phases are poised to delve deeper into fishermen's concerns, motivating them to capitalize on schemes like PMMSY and KCC for their improvement.
