Union Minister Parshottam Rupala engaged directly with beneficiaries at Arjipalli Fishing Harbour, where firsthand experiences were shared. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the significant contribution of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) schemes to their lives. Many requested new boats and nets, emphasizing the schemes' pivotal role in their livelihoods. During the event, beneficiaries were felicitated with Kisan Credit Cards, and sanctions/certificates were distributed.
Progressive fishermen received various assets under the PMMSY schemes, enhancing their capabilities. Joint Secretary, DoF, Neetu Kumari Prasad, and Director (Fy), Government of Odisha Siddiqui Alam, joined the esteemed public authorities present on the occasion.
Visit to Nairi Fishing Village: Strengthening Community Bonds
Union Minister Parshottam Rupala and dignitaries visited the Nairi Fishing Village, fostering community connections. Neetu Kumari Prasad extended gratitude to the participants, emphasizing the significance of such events. The interactive session allowed beneficiaries, including representatives of boat associations, dry fish processors, and women's SHGs, to share on-ground experiences and discuss livelihood and food security from fisheries.
Sagar Parikrama's Impact: Requests for Future Events and Awareness Campaigns
Beneficiaries expressed their desire for future events like Sagar Parikrama, underscoring its positive impact. Parshottam Rupala urged volunteers to raise awareness about the schemes, ensuring wider participation and benefits. The event showcased the importance of direct interaction in understanding ground realities.
Focus on PMMSY: Strengthening Fisheries Infrastructure
Parshottam Rupala felicitated beneficiaries under PMMSY and KCC, emphasizing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana's major focus on increasing fisheries production, productivity, and associated activities. He urged beneficiaries to actively participate, improve fisheries infrastructure, and contribute to the success of the schemes.
Chilaka Lake: Ground Realities of Fisheries at India's Largest Coastal Lagoon
Union Minister interacted directly with fish vendors at Chilaka Lake Fish Market, situated on the eastern coast of Odisha. This interaction provided insights into the ground realities faced by the approximately one lakh and ninety thousand fishermen connected with Chilaka Lake, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and sustainability.
Promotion of KCC: Pre-Saturation Camps and Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan
Parshottam Rupala highlighted the promotion of KCC, mentioning pre-saturation camps conducted in coastal districts of Odisha. The "Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan" initiative was discussed, aiming to enhance awareness among fishers and stakeholders across India, a strategic move parallelly undertaken during the Sagar Parikrama Phase-XI program.
Balugaon Fish Landing Centre: Gender Inclusivity in PMMSY Scheme
The Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-XI concluded at Balugaon Fish Landing Centre, where Union Minister Parshottam Rupala emphasized the special focus on women under the PMMSY scheme. The inclusive approach aims for gender diversity, the socio-economic development of women, and overall growth within the fisheries sector.
Approximately 9,200 fishermen, various fisheries stakeholders, and scholars physically attended the Sagar Parikrama Phase XI program from different places. The event was also live-streamed on platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook, ensuring widespread coverage and outreach.
