Union Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister Parshottam Rupala announced that Andhra Pradesh has received the highest number of permits and subsidies among all states in India under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Speaking as the chief guest at the 10th Sagar Parikrama program’s inaugural function in Visakhapatnam, he expressed optimism that the Sagar Parikrama initiative would pave the way for a prosperous future for fishermen, ensuring their financial security.
The Union Minister highlighted the various schemes implemented by the Union Government for fishermen nationwide, with the Sagar Parikrama program being a significant part of these initiatives. During the event, Rupala engaged with representatives from pharmaceutical, fish feed, export, processing industries, and natural associations along the coastal areas to understand their concerns.
As part of the program, the Union Minister, along with State Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister and Legislative Council members, inspected the 11th jetty at the Fishing Harbour. Additionally, a cheque of Rs 23.50 lakh in loans was distributed to 39 fishermen through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). Minister of Fisheries Dr. Sidiri Appala Raju emphasized the importance of fishermen’s financial development with support from both the Central and State governments.
Various subsidies were distributed during the program, including a fish transporting vehicle, 23 two-wheelers with ice boxes, 27 Fish Andhra Units, four live fish vending centre units, and 10 open sea cages units, benefiting 70 fishermen. Neetu Prasad, Joint Secretary of the Fisheries Department, noted that, as per RBI guidelines, loans up to Rs 1.60 lakh can be availed through KCC without any surety.
The program was attended by MLC Karri Padma Shri, Commissioner of Fisheries K Kanna Babu, State Fishermen Welfare and Development Corporation Chairman P Vijay Chandar, GVMC corporator Chenna Janaki Ram, Fisheries Department Joint Director Sheikh Lal Mohammad, Assistant Director M. Vijaya Krishna, and representatives from various fishermen cooperatives.