Union Minister Parshottam Rupala Initiates Sagar Parikrama Yatra in Odisha’s Ganjam District

Ganjam: Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, spearheaded the launch of the Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-XI today, commencing from the Arjipalli Fishing Harbour in Ganjam district, Odisha. The minister engaged in a direct interaction with beneficiaries of various schemes, fostering a firsthand understanding of their experiences.

During the interactive session, beneficiaries shared their insights and made requests for new boats and nets. They expressed gratitude for the significant impact of schemes like Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on their livelihoods. The event witnessed the felicitation of beneficiaries with Kisan Credit Cards, the distribution of sanctions/certificates, and the presentation of assets to progressive fishermen under the PMMSY schemes.

Key dignitaries, including Smt Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries (DoF), Shri Siddiqui Alam, Director (Fy), Government of Odisha, and other esteemed public authorities, graced the occasion.

Shri Parshottam Rupala, in his address, highlighted the significance of schemes such as PMMSY and KCC. He emphasized the pivotal role of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in augmenting fisheries production, productivity, and associated activities. The minister focused on aspects like infrastructure development, marketing, exports, and institutional arrangements.

Encouraging beneficiaries to actively participate in and benefit from these schemes, Shri Rupala urged volunteers to play a crucial role in creating awareness. He acknowledged the importance of understanding the ground realities and directly interacted with fish vendors at the Chilika Lake Fish Market in Balugaon.

Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon on the eastern coast of India, situated in Odisha, boasts rich biodiversity, including various fish species. Shri Parshottam Rupala’s direct interaction with around one lakh and ninety thousand fishermen connected with Chilaka Lake aimed to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities in the fisheries sector.