Port Blair, May 29: The Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Shri. ParshottamRupala has said that fisheries sector is the backbone of the country. While launching the Sagar Parikrama 2023 phase-VI at Panighat fish landing centre in South Andaman. He said if you want to make our rural economy stronger then the fisheries sector is the best option for this purpose. He discussed many important issues regarding economic upliftment through various schemes such as Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampadaYojna, also informed that one-third of country’s tuna fish reserves are in the seas surrounding. Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Islands encompass 28% of the country’s exclusive economic zones.
Hon’ble Shri ParshottamRupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying 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. He emphasized on sustainable fishing practices that not only increase productivity but also minimize environmental impacts. He informed that due to high demand of fishermen from all over the country to support them in improving their livelihood, Hon’ble Prime Minister established separate department of fisheries and since 1950 to 2014, the investment in fisheries sector was of around Rs 3,681 Cr, starting from 2014 government introduces the schemes such as PMMSY, FIDF and others with budget of approx. Rs. 32,000 Cr. of total investment has been made for the development of fisheries sector by understanding the ground realities.
The programme continued with virtual foundation stone laying ceremony of Fish Landing CenterVivekanandpur, Little Andaman, Hutbay for our fishermen and fisherwomen, enabling them to carry out their work more efficiently and effectively. He has also shared his opinion that carrying out the PMMSY scheme activities shall have a significant impact on the fisheries sector in India, aims to enhance the production and productivity of fish through the adoption of modern and scientific methods of fishing and aquaculture. This will not only boost the income of fishermen and fish farmers but also increase the availability of fish in the market, which will have a positive impact on food security and nutrition. Further, he highlighted that PMMSY scheme is expected to create employment opportunities in the fisheries sector, both in the production and processing of fish including contribution to the country’s economic growth and development. Further he 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.
During the function the Minister also distributed KCC to some beneficiaries of PMMSY and distributed cheque to some fisher folk. On this occasion the Chief SecrataryKesav Chandra, Member of Parliament Kuldeep Rai Sharma and Commisioner-cum-Secretary Nandini Paliwal also spoke.
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