Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, has initiated the eighth phase of “Sagar Parikrama” in Tamil Nadu, continuing his mission to foster solidarity among fisherfolk, fish farmers, and other stakeholders along India’s coastal regions. This initiative seeks to gain insights into the ground-level challenges and issues faced by these communities.
The journey began on August 31, 2023, and encompassed the coastal areas of Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. It involved interactions with beneficiaries at fishing harbors, villages, and fishing communities, including Thoothoor, Colachel, Muttom, Vallavilai, Kurumpanai, Vanayakudi, Uvari, Periathalai, Veerapandiyan Pattinam, Tharuvaikulam, and Mookaiyur.
Union Minister Rupala actively participated in these interactions, discussing fishing methods, fish handling, and various challenges with fishermen and fish farmers. He emphasized the importance of grassroots-level interactions in gaining valuable insights into the fishing industry’s dynamics and policy impact.
“During the visit, the dignitaries also visited the Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), where an exhibition showcased significant marine fish resources in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar regions. Topics such as seaweed farming, Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), hatchery-produced fish species, and marine ornamental fishes were presented”.
Joint Secretary (Marine Fisheries) of the Department of Fisheries, Neetu Kumari Prasad, elaborated on the objectives of the Sagar Parikrama Yatra and the significance of the Multipurpose Seaweed Park in addressing the challenges faced by fishermen, fish farmers, and stakeholders. The park aims to promote seaweed cultivation and enhance the economic well-being of coastal communities.
During the visit, the Union Minister engaged with fisherwomen involved in seaweed cultivation, gaining insights into their livelihoods, challenges, and aspirations. These interactions provided an opportunity for the fisherwomen to share their experiences and express their need for support in obtaining seaweed seeds and relevant subsidies. Rupala assured them of assistance, including fuel on credit for small fishermen with motorized fishing boats.
“Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan highlighted the economic viability of seaweed cultivation, particularly for fisherwomen. He noted that the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a flagship government scheme, supports seaweed cultivation and aims to enhance economic opportunities in the sector”.
Additionally, Union Minister Rupala, along with Dr. L. Murugan and other dignitaries, laid the foundation stone of the Multipurpose Seaweed Park at Valamavur, Ramanathapuram district. The park, with an estimated investment of Rs 127.7 crore, will benefit 136 coastal villages across six districts of Tamil Nadu.
Union Minister Rupala commended the efforts of the Tamil Nadu State Government in establishing the Multipurpose Seaweed Park, emphasizing its potential to promote seaweed cultivation and improve the economic conditions of coastal communities.
“The Minister also recognized the achievements of the Government of India in the fisheries sector, particularly through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) schemes. Notably, during the program, 374 Kisan Credit Cards were distributed in Ramanathapuram district alone”.
Rupala encouraged villagers to actively participate in these schemes and harness the benefits for fisheries and allied activities. He also called for increased awareness of PMMSY and KCC schemes among beneficiaries.
