Uttara Kannada (Karnataka): A host of leaders, including ministers of the Centre and the state government, led by Union minister for fisheries Parshottam Rupala on Saturday launched the much talked about Sagar Parikrama phase IV at Karwar in Uttara Kannada district of the poll-bound Karnataka.
Rupala highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY) scheme and other multidimensional activities of Blue Revolution with major focus on increasing fisheries production and productivity (for both inland and marine) and its associated activities, including infra development, marketing, exports, and institutional arrangements, etc.
He announced that fishing harbour, fish landing centers ice plants, cold storages etc. will be developed at Majali & Belambara and other areas in Karnataka to improve the fisheries development infrastructure. He requested volunteers to help in creating awareness of the schemes so that the beneficiaries can take benefit of the same.
Rupala praised the establishment of 75 mobile veterinary units by Government of Karnataka to help fish farmers etc. Additionally, he shared the concept of Sagar Parikrama and highlighted the people centric governance model.
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At the event, Jatindr Nath Swain, fisheries secretary, highlighted many important issues regarding economic upliftment through various schemes such as PMMSY, fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure development fund (FIDF), KCC etc.
Objectives of Sagar Parikrama project
The main objectives of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ are (i) 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; (ii) demonstrating solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholder as a spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat; (iii) 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 (iv) protection of marine ecosystem.
1st phase of Sagar Parikrama was launched in Gujarat
Phase I Programme of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ was organized in Gujarat, started on 5th March 2022 from Mandvi and ended on 6th March 2022 at Porbandar, Gujarat. Phase II The voyage Sagar Parikrama as Phase –II programme started on 22nd September 2022 from Mangrol to Veraval and ended at Mul Dwaraka, on 23rd September 2022 from Mul Dwaraka to Madhwad.Phase III Program of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ started on 19th Feb 2023 from Surat, Gujarat, and end on 21st Feb 2023 at Sasson Dock, Mumbai. Phase IV program started from Mormugao Port, Goa on 17th March 2023 and shall end on 19th March 2023 in Mangalore.
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Sagar Parikrama is a program reflecting the far-reaching policy strategy of the government leading to the direct interaction with fishers and fis farmers to understand the issues coastal areas and problems related to fishermen. Phases I, II & III have brought massive changes in the development strategy of fishermen and have given a deep insight into the understanding the problems of fishermen Certainly, Sagar Parikrama Phase IV program is being welcomed by fishermen and fish farmers and other stakeholders with an open heart and they see this as an instrument of their development in fisheries sector.
