Rupala to begin VII Phase of Sagar Parikrama yatra in Kerala and Lakshadweep on Thursday
The unique initiative aims to visit coastal areas across the entire country through a predetermined sea route, engaging with fishermen, fish farmers, and beneficiaries of government schemes to address their concerns and gather suggestions for the advancement of the fisheries sector
PremiumNew Delhi: Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala is set to embark on the seventh phase of the “Sagar Parikrama" initiative on 8 June, the ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry & dairying said on Thursday.
The unique initiative aims to visit coastal areas across the entire country through a predetermined sea route, engaging with fishermen, fish farmers, and beneficiaries of government schemes to address their concerns and gather suggestions for the advancement of the fisheries sector.
“The journey of first phase of “Sagar Parikrama" has started from Mandvi, Gujarat on 5th March 2022 and so far in the Six Phases of Sagar Parikrama, coastal areas of Gujarat, Daman & Diu, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Andaman & Nicobar have been visited. Sagar Parikrama Phase-VII shall cover the coastal areas of Keralaand UT Administration of Lakshadweep including visits of locations like Mangalore, Kasargode, Madakkara, Pallikkara, Chalium, Kanhangadu, Kozhikode, Mahe (Puducherry), Beypore, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kochi and Islands of Lakshadweep namely, Kavaratti, Bangaramand Agatti etc," the ministry said.
Kerala, with its 590 km long coastline, plays a significant role in the state’s economy and the socio-economic well-being of the fisherfolk and other stakeholders. The state boasts approximately 222 marine fishing villages, providing livelihoods to a vast majority of the population. The rich aquatic biodiversity and fish resources in Kerala sustain over 1 million fisherfolk and support various activities such as commercial fishing and aquaculture.
Lakshadweep, on the other hand, possesses a vast lagoon of 4,200 sq. km, territorial waters of 20,000 sq. km, an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 4,00,000 sq. km, and a coastal line of about 132 km. The waters surrounding the Union Territory of Lakshadweep are abundant in pelagic fishery resources, particularly tuna fish resources.
Parshottam Rupala, along with L Murugan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Saji Cherian, Minister for Fisheries of the Kerala Government, and other officials from various departments and organizations will be participating in the Sagar Parikrama event in Kerala and Lakshadweep from 8 June to 12 June, 2023.
During the Sagar Parikrama events, certificates and sanctions related to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) will be awarded to progressive fishermen, fish farmers, and young fishery entrepreneurs. Literature on various schemes, including PMMSY, KCC, and others, will be disseminated through print media, electronic media, videos, and digital campaigns to raise awareness among fishers.
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