Fishing For Fishermen’s Issues

Sagar Parikrama involbes direct interaction with fishers and fish farmers, government said.

HAZIRA, Gujarat, Feb 19 (The CONNECT) – Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, launched the Sagar Parikrama Phase-III from Hazira Port, Gujarat, and it will proceed towards the coastal line of Maharashtra at Satpati, Vasai, Versova, and Parikrama will end at Sasson Dock, Mumbai.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and National Fisheries Development Board, along with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Gujarat, Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India, Gujarat Maritime Board, and fishermen representatives, take part in the event.

The journey is accompanied by the State Fisheries officials, Fishermen representatives, Fish-Farmers, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, professionals, officials, and Scientists from across the nation.

The main objectives of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ are: to facilitate interaction with fishermen, coastal communities and stakeholders so as to disseminate information of various fisheries related schemes and programs being implemented by the Government; demonstrating solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholder as a spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat; to promote responsible fisheries with focus on sustainable balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for food security of nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities and protection of marine ecosystems.

Phase I Programme of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ was organized in Gujarat, started on March 5, 2022 from Mandvi and ended the next day at Porbandar. Phase II The voyage on September 22. 2022 from Mangrol to Veraval and ended at Mul Dwaraka, the next day. Phase III Program of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ started today and ends on Tuesday at Sasson Dock, Mumbai.

Sagar Parikrama program is celebrated in all coastal States/UTs through a pre-decided sea route down right from Gujarat, Diu, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar, and Lakshadweep Islands to have interaction program with fishermen, fisher communities and stakeholders in these locations to know the problems of Coastal Fisher folk. To improve the quality of life and economic well-being of fishers and fishermen in rural areas and to create more livelihood opportunities, a holistic approach has been adopted.

Sagar Parikrama is a programme that reflects the far-reaching policy strategy of the government leading to the direct interaction with fishers and fish farmers to understand the issues of coastal areas and problems related to fishermen. Phase I&II have brought initiation of Artificial Reefs and Sea Ranching, among many other innumerable benefits.