Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, has taken unique initiative of “Sagar Parikrama” to visit coastal areas of entire country through a pre-decided sea route to meet fishermen, fish farmers and beneficiaries of various Government Schemes, and to interact with them to hear directly from them about their issues and suggestions to further uplift the fisheries sector in the country for the benefits of the fishers and other stakeholders. The journey of first phase of “Sagar Parikrama” has started from Mandvi, Gujarat on 5^th 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.

Kerala is blessed with 590 km of rich coastline and fisheries sector plays an important role in the economy of the State as well as socio-economic wellbeing of the fishers and other stakeholders. There are around 222 marine fishing villages in the state, where fishing and related aspects provide livelihood to a vast majority of the population. The aquatic biodiversity and fish wealth of Kerala sustain more than 10 lakh fisher folk and supports numerous additional activities including commercial fishing, aquaculture etc.

Whereas, Lakshadweep has a vast lagoon of 4,200 Sq. Kms, territorial waters of 20,000 Sq. Km, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 4,00,000 lakhs Sq. Kms and coastal line of about 132 Kms, the sea around UT of Lakshadweep is rich in pelagic fishery resources especially tuna fish resources.

Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. L Murugan, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Saji Cherian, Minister for Fisheries, Government of Kerala and senior officials from Department of Fisheries from the Union and State Government, UT Administration of Lakshadweep, National Fisheries Development Board, Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India and fishermen representatives shall be participating in the Sagar Parikrama event in Kerala and UT of  Lakshadweep during 8^th - 12^th June, 2023.

Certificates/sanctions related to Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada scheme (PMMSY), Kisan Credit Card (KCC) shall be awarded to the progressive fishermen, fishers and fish farmers, young fishery entrepreneurs etc. during the Sagar Parikrama events. Literature on PMMSY scheme, UT schemes, e shram, FIDF, KCC, etc. shall be popularised through print media, electronic media, videos, and digital campaigns through jingles among fishers for wide publicity of schemes.

Sagar Parikrama is contributing to disseminate information on fisheries related schemes/programs implemented by Government, showcasing the best practices, promote responsible fisheries and demonstrate solidarity with all fisher folks and concerned stakeholders. Upcoming Sagar Parikrama phases will inspire and create impactful effort to address the concerns of fishermen and encourage them in availing various schemes including PMMSY and KCC for their betterment.

*****

SS