In a significant outreach effort, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, engaged with the fishing community at Paradip Fishing Harbour during the ongoing Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase XI. The event aimed to address the concerns and grievances of fishermen and fisherwomen in the Jagatsinghpur District of Odisha. The highlight of the event was the felicitation of beneficiaries with Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), Certificates/Sanction Orders, and subsidies for brackish water pond development.
Additionally, cheques were distributed to beneficiaries under the Government Assistance to Individual Fishers (GAIS) program.
Paradip Fishing Harbour Modernization Project Inaugurated
Parshottam Rupala marked the occasion by inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for the modernization and upgrade project of the Paradip Fishing Harbour. The move is expected to enhance the infrastructure and facilities at the harbour, benefiting the local fishing community.
Sagar Parikrama Yatra Reaches Kharinasi Fish Landing Center
Continuing the journey, the Sagar Parikrama Yatra reached the Kharinasi Fish Landing Center in Kendrapada District, where the Union Minister witnessed the collaborative efforts of fishermen, fish farmers, and community representatives. Rupala acknowledged the crucial role played by fish farmers in meeting the rising demand for seafood and recognized the tireless efforts of fishermen in providing a vital source of sustenance.
Beneficiaries Express Satisfaction
The beneficiaries expressed satisfaction and appreciation for the government's recognition of their contributions. They actively participated in open interactions, discussing various technologies such as Biofloc, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and the development of cold storages. The participants were further encouraged by the distribution of Kisan Credit Cards, facilitating their access to financial resources.
Addressing Challenges and Concerns
During doorstep interactions with fishermen, Parshottam Rupala listened to various challenges and issues faced by the community. Assuring swift action, he emphasized that necessary steps would be taken to address the concerns raised by the fishermen.
Approximately 5,500 fishermen, various fisheries stakeholders, and scholars attended the Sagar Parikrama Phase IX program at Paradip Fishing Harbour. Dignitaries, including Ranendra Pratap Sawain, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment Dept, Fisheries and ARD Dept, Govt of Odisha, Sambit Routray, MLA, Paradip, and Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary, DoF, were present to witness the impactful event.
Sagar Parikrama Yatra Continues
Sagar Parikrama is a mega initiative that strives to connect with fishermen at the grassroots level, encouraging sustainable fishing practices and ensuring effective implementation of government initiatives.
