Shri Parshottam Rupala led the second day of Sagar Parikrama Phase- IX along with Dr L Murugan, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in the presence of Joint Secretary, DoF,  Smt. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board, Dr L.N Murthy and Fishermen Welfare, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Union Territory of Puducherry, Coast Guards etc. Second day programme of Sagar Parikrama Phase IX began with warm welcome of Ministers and other senior dignitaries by fishermen and women at Tharangambadi Fish Landing Centre.

Shri Parshottam Rupala addressed that necessary steps will be taken on the challenges being faced by fishermen. Further, he informed that due to high demand of fishermen from all over the country to support them in improving their livelihood, Prime Minister established separate Department of Fisheries. An investment of more than Rs 30,000 crore has been done in fisheries sector for the development by understanding the ground realities. He also appreciated the contribution of the villagers in the fisheries sector and talked in detail about eliminating the critical gaps in the value chain of fisheries. Also, He informed that pre-Saturation Sagar Parikrama Phase-IX has been conducted for more than 5 days from 30^th Oct 2023 to 6th Oct 2023. About 11 districts covering 64 locations in Tamil Nadu coast and 2 districts in Puducherry covering 21 locations campaigning on KCC, PMMSY & FIDF and other outreach activities were carried and approx. 3084 fishermen, fish farmers have participated in the campaign. During the campaign, following activities have been performed such as grievances, issues, KCC application distribution and receiving. As a result, KCC applications sanction worth of Rs 531.30 lakhs has been achieved, covering 8 districts from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry benefiting 1599 Nos of fishermen, fish farmers, fisher societies etc.

Dr L Murugan enlightened on recent eight phases of Sagar Parikrama which was received well by the fishermen and women & other stakeholders. Further, he highlighted Tamil Nadu holds enormous potential for the marine fisheries in the country as well as being a leader in appropriate marine fishing regulations, maintenance of the proper hygiene and sanitation in the marine fish landings and technology infusion.

The goal Sagar Parikrama is to "fish for a better tomorrow," and this is where livelihood meets sustainability. Sagar Parikrama is a one-of-a-kind mega fisher's outreach initiative led by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala. This initiative would help to meet fishers at their doorsteps, hear their difficulties and grievances, witness village level ground realities, encourage sustainable fishing, and ensure that government initiatives reach the fishermen at the last mile.

The Sagar Parikrama Phase- IX, first day program started on 7^th October 2023, from Thiruvandanai, Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu and ended at Karaikal Fish Landing Center, Union Territory of Puducherry. Shri Parshottam Rupala along with Minister of State (FAHD), Dr. L. Murugan in the presence of Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Dr. (Tmt.) Tamilisai Soundararajan and other public authorities interacted with fishermen, fisherwomen and highlighted the benefits of PMMSY & KCC. Also, discussed regarding the development of domestic fish consumption strategy. In addition, beneficiaries were felicitated with Kisan Credit Card, Scooty with Icebox etc. during the event.

The Parikrama continued from Tharangambadi Fish Landing Centre, Mayiladuthurai District of Puducherry witnessed the collaborative efforts of fishermen, fish farmers and representatives from the fishing community. Shri Parshottam Rupala recognizes the critical role of fish farmers in meeting the growing demand, also recognizes the invaluable contributions of our fishermen and fish farmers who tirelessly work to provide us with a vital source of food and sustenance. Beneficiaries like fishermen, fish farmers were felicitated with sanction of Kisan Credit Card (KCC). Following are the beneficiaries i) Devaraj, ii) Chinnadurai M, iii) Ponnambalam. R, iv) Sudharman K, v) Vijaykumar M, vi) Veeramani V, vii) Ravi A, viii) Selvamani T, ix) Suthakar V, x) Arumugam K. Further, Shri Rupala requested the beneficiaries to come forward and use the benefits of KCC for fish farmers and for allied activities. He also requested volunteers to help in creating awareness of the schemes such as PMMSY, KCC so that the beneficiaries can take benefit of the same.

Shri Parshottam Rupala along with Dr. L. Murugan and other dignitaries interacted with beneficiaries virtually as well as in person during the event, discussed the challenges & opportunities in the fisheries sector and disseminated the government initiatives. Beneficiaries actively participated and discussed regarding the technologies such as Biofloc, RAS, shrimp production, development of cold storages etc. Shri Parshottam Rupala was extremely pleased that an interactive session helped fishermen, fish farmers to share their ground realities, experiences and to come out with their challenges being faced, i.e., standardization of rules and regulations related to fishing. Through interactive session, fish farmers apprised about their mode of fish farming and quantum of income. Further, he felicitated the beneficiaries like fishermen, fish farmers and other stakeholders with Kisan Credit Card. Following are the beneficiaries i) Kadal Pukal Women Self Help Group, ii) Jashmin Women Self Help Group, iii) Elakiyavani, iv) Kalvi Ramalingam, v) Chandra Sivalingam, vi) Murugeswari, vii) B. Vijaya, viii) Abhisha, ix) Sathees Kumar. During the Sagar Parikrama Phase-IX program, the said “Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan” has been undertaken parallelly.

Taking forward, Sagar Parikrama Phase- IX reached Cuddalore Fishing Harbour, Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. The stage programme commenced with warm welcome of Ministers and senior dignitaries by fishermen and fisherwomen. Shri Parshottam Rupala along with Dr L Murugan in the presence of Secretary, DoF, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Joint Secretary, DoF, Smt. Neetu Kumari Prasad and  other senior authorities interacted virtually with following fishermen i) Shri Senthil Kumar, ii) Smt Pallavi, iii) Shri Sathya Keerthi, as well as in person interaction with following fishermen i) Shri Pradeep, ii) Shri Pavendhan, iii) Shri Kandhans to gain insights into their way of life and livelihood. In subsequent interactions at the coastal village’s fishermen urged the Ministers on various demands.

On the sidelines of the program, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi visited Athur Fish Seed Rearing Centre, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu today and interacted with fish farmers, FCS members and informed that the modernization of this Centre is funded under FIDF Scheme of GoI.

In all around approx. 10,700 fishermen, various fisheries stakeholders, and scholars attended physically the Sagar Parikrama Phase IX program from various places of which approx. 4,200 fisherwomen participated, and the program was live streamed on various social media platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Later in the day, program shall remain continued and stage program is planned at Puducherry where Shri Parshottam Rupala, with other dignitaries would interact with beneficiaries, distribute numerous benefits, Bhumi Pujan/Inauguration of Projects and will address the gathering. Sagar Parikrama will make an impact in improving the quality of life of the people in rural areas and shall create more livelihood opportunities. Sagar Parikrama would support in resolving the issues of fishers, other stakeholders and facilitate their economic upliftment through various fisheries schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan (MSJA) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC), implemented by Government of India.

Moving forward, Sagar Parikrama Phase- IX reached Poompuhar Fishing Harbour. An introductory address was given by Smt. Neetu Kumari Prasad, enlightening on Sagar Parikrama Phase IX who recognized the critical role of fishermen, women, fish farmers and other stakeholders. Beneficiaries such as fishermen, fish farmers were happy after listening and can relate the importance & impact that will bring in their lives.

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