To bolster coastal development and uplift the lives of fishermen, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, overseeing Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (FAHD), initiated the tenth phase of “Sagar Parikrama” from Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district. This collaborative effort, supported by various governmental bodies and stakeholders, aims to address the challenges faced by the fishing community at the grassroots level.
The “Sagar Parikrama” Yatra commenced with a warm reception for Minister Rupala, who was joined by dignitaries such as Shri Beeda Masthan Rao and Shri Ramireddy Prathap Kumar Reddy. The program saw active participation from the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, National Fisheries Development Board, Indian Coast Guard, and representatives from the fishing community.
During the launch, Minister Rupala engaged with beneficiaries, including fisherwomen, fishermen, and aqua farmers, at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, assets like boats and two-wheelers with ice boxes were distributed to beneficiaries.
Additionally, appointment letters were handed out to newly appointed Sagar Mitras under PMMSY, and fishers were felicitated with Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). The Union Minister also interacted with beneficiaries, where they shared their experiences, challenges, and expressed gratitude for the positive impact of the KCC and PMMSY schemes on their lives.
Minister Rupala highlighted the upcoming commissioning of Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in Nellore, approved under the blue revolution scheme at a total cost of Rs 288.80 Cr. The program aims to ensure sustainable fishing practices and bridge the gap between government initiatives and beneficiaries. Smt. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary, DoF, introduced the Sagar Parikrama initiative, emphasizing its goal to address fishermen’s difficulties, encourage sustainable fishing, and bring government initiatives to the doorstep of the fishing community.
The impactful outreach program continued at Kothapatnam, Prakasam district, where Minister Rupala, along with other dignitaries, interacted with beneficiaries, distributed various benefits, and addressed the gathering. “Sagar Parikrama,” with its transformative potential and creative leadership, exemplifies the government’s commitment to resolving issues faced by fishermen and coastal stakeholders, ultimately contributing to economic upliftment and rural development in Andhra Pradesh.
