Kochi: Oct 29, 2021

 

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting & Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. L Murugan reached Lakshadweep today on his three-day visit. He was welcomed at Agatti by the Administration and was given a guard of honour by the Indian Reserve Battalion. Thereafter, the Minister visited the Hatchery for Ornamental Fish where scientists briefed him. He then had an interaction with Women SHGs of the island trained in this sector.  In the interaction, the Minister said that the aim of the Union Government was to empower the residents of Lakshadweep especially women and fishermen. He urged them to concentrate on the immense potential of seaweed farming and emerge as entrepreneurs by availing benefits under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).  

 

Later in the day, he also interacted with the fishermen community of the Island. He said that the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was to ensure the self-reliance of the Island in the fisheries sector. Infrastructure for marine processing can be created and value addition can be done under PMMSY. The Minister also instructed the Fisheries Department to restart Monsoon welfare schemes for fishermen who faced difficulties during the trawling ban period. He also distributed various benefits under PMMSY to selected beneficiaries. 

 

After visiting some fishing farms, the Minister left for Kavaratti Islands where he was welcomed by senior officials. In the evening, the officials briefed the Minister on the progress of various developmental activities in the UT. Dr Murugan also interacted with the local fishermen community.

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