World Fisheries Day
Five major ports includig Paradip are being developed as major fishing harbours
Bhubaneswar: Balasore in Odisha was awarded as the best marine district in the country, while Andhra Pradesh was awarded the best marine state at the World Fisheries Day Celebration here today. The best inland state award was given to Telangana, while Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh received the best inland district award. The best hilly and northeastern state and district awards were taken away by Tripura and Bongaigaon, Assam respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Fisheries, Parshottam Rupala said states need to be inspired by each other and explore options to grow in marine sector. “There is a need to come up with environment friendly fishing and also look for sustaining the sector while continuing the consumption,” he said.
Fisheries sector has tremendous potential of growth and the Government of India has set Rupees one lakh crore export target by 2024-25.
Also read: 2022 is the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture
The Government is implementing Matsya Sampada Yojana and has infused Rs 20,000 crore in the sector through the scheme. Seaweed farming is another part where the government is putting more emphasis on. “We are also focusing on empowering fisherwomen and promoting entrepreneurship in the sector,” said Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Fisheries, adding Paradip is among the five major ports being developed as major fishing harbours.
Rupala also called for greater awareness on Kisan Credit Card (KCC) as its support has already been extended the to the fishermen and women. “The Government will soon start a massive campaign to raise greater awareness on KCC,” he said.
Earlier, the ministers and delegates visited the exhibition stalls put up by the farmers and entrepreneurs at the venue. Various posters, jingles on fisheries sector were also released during the event. The programme was also attended by senior officials of Government of India and Government of Odisha.
global bihari bureau
