Union Minister Rupala highlighted importance of the fisheries sector, at Fish Food Festival, as it is related to about 3Cr fishers and families covering about 8000 Km of coastal line.
Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, inaugurated the Fish Food Festival at VRC ground Nellore and visited various stalls. During his visit, he also interacted with entrepreneurs, FFPOs, fishers and fisherwomen. The Union Minister appreciated natural fish products being showcased in the festival.
In his address, the Minister highlighted importance of the fisheries sector as it is directed related to about 3Cr fishers and families covering about 8000 Km of coastal line. He also highlighted that Andhra Pradesh plays a significant role in fisheries. About 30% of the fish production of the county comes from this state.
Rupala stressed the need to enhance awareness of various Schemes like PMMSY, where more than 100 activities/projects are available with Government Support. The first-time investment in Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for a budgetary outlay of 20050 Cr has been launched, and a separate department has been created. The Union Minister has highlighted that Sagar Parikrama is a massive outreach program that gives opportunities to the fishermen to meet and interact with ministers, officers and other stakeholders to resolve their issues at the doorstep.
The union minister mentioned in his address that about 1.58 lakhs KCC has been given to the fishers and aims to provide KCC to all fishers of the country. He also appreciated the efforts of various entrepreneurs, FFPOs, and Fish farmers for showcasing live and natural fish products in the exhibition.
Rupala stated that all the representations received during this visit of Sagar Parikrama will be carefully addressed, and the Union Government will continue its all support to the states for the overall development of fisheries sector and the welfare of fishermen, coastal communities and stakeholders of the fisheries sector. He also stated that in consultation with the State Govt. and fishermen, the Sagar Parikrama Yatra in AP will be planned soon.
During his address, S. Appala Raju, Minister of Fisheries, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, highlighted the importance of the fisheries sector and various schemes of the Government for the betterment of fishers and their families. He also raised the issue of inter-state fishing conflicts between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. He requested the Union Government to address the issue in consultation with both states.
Fishers, FFPOs and Fisheries entrepreneurs were present, along with the Officials from the Department of Fisheries, GOI and NFDB were also present.
“Sagar Parikrama” is a transformative journey planned across the coastal belt to show solidarity with the fisher folks, fish farmers and related stakeholders. The initiated Sagar Parikrama Phase X concluded with the physical participation of more than 2000 fishermen and women, FFPOs, Entrepreneurs and other stake holders at Fish Food Festival VRC Grounds, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
