Mumbai, 21 February 2023

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has launched the ‘Sagar Parikrama’ program on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav marking 75 years of independence. Phase III of Sagar Parikrama was underway between 19^th to 21^st February 2023 in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. It concluded here today at Sasson Dock, Mumbai.

Speaking on the occasion about various provisions made by the government for welfare of the fisheries sector, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Parshottam Rupala said, “The Fisheries sector has now been given the status of a separate Ministry by the government. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana has also been launched with a vision to invest twenty thousand crores in the sector. The fisheries infrastructure has been strengthened through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. The Cooperatives sector has also been given the status of an independent Ministry and the Government now aims to strengthen the Fisheries sector through cooperatives. For the first time since independence, fisherman can also take benefit of Kisan Credit Card in a manner similar to farmers. Kisan Credit card for fisherman provides economic upliftment to coastal communities.”

Speaking of Sagar Parikrama Phase III, he added, “Sagar Parikrama Phase III started from Satpati where a new jetty will be now developed through a scheme for which we have sanctioned two thousand and sixty crore rupees. We will take forward and aim to solve the issues put forth by the fisherman and fish farmers during our interaction with them in the past three days. Sagar Parikrama is a medium to not only listen to coastal communities but also learn about our country’s coastal wealth.”

Addressing the media on the occasion, Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister for Forests, Cultural Affairs and Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra spoke on various issues that the state government would be able to resolve as a result of discussions held with the Union government through the medium of Sagar Parikrama Phase III and provide enhanced facilities for coastal communities. He thanked the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying for coming forward and reaching out to the coastal communities.

On the sidelines of the program, J. N. Swain, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying  launched the new Fisheries Survey of India (FSI) website and released FSI Bulletin, No.34.

During Phase III of the Sagar Parikrama, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, interacted with coastal communities in Satpati (Palghar), Vasai (Palghar), Versova (Mumbai Suburban), Bhau Cha Dhakka (Mumbai Suburban) and Sasson Dock (Mumbai Suburban). Dignitaries, namely Ram Naik, former Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Bhagwat Karad, Union Minister of State for Finance, Rahul Narvekar, Speaker Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister for Forests, Cultural Affairs and Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, Mangal Prasad Lodha, Minister of Tourism, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Women & Child Development Government of Maharashtra and others also graced the Parikrama at different locations in its third phase. They were accompanied by senior officials of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, National Fisheries Development Board, Fishery Survey of India, Indian Coast Guard, State Fisheries officials, Fishermen representatives, Fish-Farmers, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, professionals, officials and Scientists from across the nation.

During the event, certificates/sanctions related to Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada scheme, Kisan Credit Card & State Scheme were awarded to progressive fishermen, especially coastal fishermen, fishers and fish farmers, young fishery entrepreneurs etc. Literature on PMMSY scheme, State schemes, e-shram, FIDF, KCC etc. was popularised.  Fisherman and fish farmers were given an opportunity to speak about their issues and concerns. The Marathi song "Sagar Parikrama" was launched at Satpati. Fisherman Rakesh Meher, Atish Meher, Ritesh Meher, Chandrakant Tandel and Harish Chandra Meher who showed courage and bravery in saving lives of others at sea were also awarded certificates of appreciation.

Approximately 12,500 fishermen and fish farmers participated in various events under Sagar Parikrama Phase III. Local speakers from the macchimar societies enthusiastically took part in various deliberations. Issues such insurance claims disbursement, banning use of LED while fishing, inauguration of state-of-the-art Satpati Fish Market, PMMSY scheme for various project such as RAS, Insulated Vehicle, Open Cage Culture, Value Added Product and others were discussed. Fishing communities were delighted to have an opportunity to interact with dignitaries and government officials. The Parikrama was welcomed with traditional folk performances by coastal communities at all the locations it visited. The various programs were also live streamed on social media platforms such as Youtube, and Facebook and watched by around 15,000 people.

The journey of Sagar Parikrama is aimed at focusing on the sustainable balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for the food security of the nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities and the protection of marine ecosystems, to bridge the gaps of fisher communities, and their expectations, development of fishing villages, upgradation and creation of infrastructure such as fishing harbours & landing centres to ensure sustainable and responsible development through an ecosystem approach.   

Maharashtra State has a 720 km long coastline covering 5 coastal districts Thane, Raigad, Greater Mumbai, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Fisher folk, vendors, and industries have a direct stake in the development of the fisheries sector in economic value, especially exports.

Sagar Parikrama program is being organized through a pre-decided sea route covering coastal states/UTs. The Phase I Programme of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ organized in Gujarat, started on 5th March, 2022 from Mandvi and ended on 6th March 2022 at Porbandar, Gujarat. Phase II of the Sagar Parikrama voyage started on 22th September 2022 from Mangrol to Veraval and ended at Mul Dwaraka, on 23rd September 2022 from Mul Dwaraka to Madhwad. Phase-III ‘Sagar Parikrama’ began its journey to the coastal belt of Maharashtra from Surat, Hazira Port, Gujarat on 19th February 2023.

Sagar Parikrama is a program aimed at moulding the policy strategy of the government as a result of direct interaction with fishers and fish farmers to understand the issues coastal areas and problems related to fishermen. Phases I & II have brought massive changes in the development strategy for fishermen.  Sagar Parikrama program is being welcomed by fishermen and fish farmers with an open heart as they see this as an instrument of their development. The impact of the Sagar Parikrama program will have a long-lasting effect on the future generations to come and will address problems with multiple developmental issues in comprehensive manner with far reaching impact covering various sectors.

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