Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, accompanied by MoS Dr. L Murugan, commenced the third day of the Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-X. The visit focused on understanding the needs of the coastal communities, with a mission to provide targeted support.
During the Yatra, Shri Rupala felicitated beneficiaries, including fishermen and fish farmers, by granting assets such as boats and two-wheelers equipped with ice boxes. He also distributed cheques and certificates under the Entrepreneur Model and sanctioned Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to empower the fishing community.
The tour included an inspection of the shrimp food processing unit at Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park in Tundurru Village, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh. The minister engaged with beneficiaries in Antarvedi Palem, Konasema district, where fish farmers, fishermen, fisherwomen group representatives, and aqua farmer representatives shared their experiences and concerns.
Numerous beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the transformative impact of the KCC and PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) schemes on their lives. Shri Rupala highlighted the government’s commitment to rural development, emphasizing the ongoing “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” aimed at raising awareness and extending benefits of various schemes.
The Yatra continued to Yanam, Union Territory of Puducherry, where Shri Rupala reiterated the mission of uplifting fishermen and understanding the challenges faced by stakeholders in the fisheries sector. The minister interacted with beneficiaries and representatives, facilitating the distribution of assets under schemes like PMMSY and KCC.
Dr. L Murugan emphasized the importance of creating livelihood opportunities in the fisheries sector to improve the quality of life and economic well-being in rural areas. Shri Rupala, along with MoS Dr. L Murugan, visited Kakinada Fishing Harbour, Andhra Pradesh, where they interacted with various stakeholders, including fishermen, fisherwomen, and representatives of boat owners’ associations.
During the visit, Minister Rupala handed over the approval letter for the Broodstock Multiplication Centre (BMC) facility to M/s Kona Bay India Private Limited in Srikakulam District. Beneficiaries were felicitated with assets such as boats and two-wheelers, and cheques and certificates were distributed under the Entrepreneur Model and PMMSY scheme.
Approximately 7,500 fishermen, fisheries stakeholders, and students participated in the Sagar Parikrama Phase-X program, highlighting the widespread support for initiatives aimed at the economic and social development of coastal communities.
