Sagar Parikrama Phase III Highlights Government’s Efforts To Boost Fisheries Sector, Uplift Coastal Communities

Sagar Parikrama is a program launched by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, marking 75 years of independence. The program aims to listen to coastal communities and learn about India’s coastal wealth. The third phase of Sagar Parikrama was held from 19th to 21st February 2023 in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, concluding at Sasson Dock, Mumbai.

Overview on Sagar Parikrama

During the program, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, interacted with coastal communities and addressed the media. Various provisions made by the government for the welfare of the fisheries sector were discussed, including the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana with a vision to invest twenty thousand crores in the sector. The fisheries infrastructure has been strengthened through this scheme and the Cooperatives sector has also been given the status of an independent Ministry to strengthen the fisheries sector through cooperatives. Fishermen can now take advantage of the Kisan Credit Card in a manner similar to farmers, which provides economic upliftment to coastal communities.

Certificates/sanctions related to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya SampadaYojana, Kisan Credit Card, and State Scheme were awarded to progressive fishermen, especially coastal fishermen, fishers, and fish farmers, young fishery entrepreneurs, etc. Literature on Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana scheme, Kisan Credit Card, Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund, State schemes, e-shram, etc. was popularized. During Sagar Parikrama Phase III, fishermen and fish farmers were provided with a platform to express their grievances and apprehensions. Coastal communities at each of the visited locations greeted the Parikrama with customary folk performances. About 12,500 fishermen and fish farmers took part in different events.

Important Information

• The Indian government launched the ‘Sagar Parikrama’ program to mark 75 years of independence.
• The program aims to focus on sustainable balance between marine fisheries resources and protection of marine ecosystems.
• The Fisheries sector has been given the status of a separate Ministry, and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana has been launched with an investment of 20,000 crore rupees in the sector.
• Fishermen can now benefit from the Kisan Credit Card scheme similar to farmers.

Conclusion

The Sagar Parikrama program launched by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, is an important initiative that aims to promote the responsible exploitation of marine fisheries resources for the purpose of ensuring food security for the country and sustaining the livelihoods of fishing communities residing along the coast. The Phase III of Sagar Parikrama, which concluded recently, saw the participation of thousands of fishermen, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, professionals, officials and scientists from across the nation, who interacted with government officials and dignitaries to discuss their issues and concerns. The success of the Sagar Parikrama program highlights the importance of community participation in the sustainable management of marine resources and the need for continued efforts towards their conservation.