The 12th phase of ‘Sagar Parikrama’, a flagship programme of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, will commence on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, covering the coastal regions of West Bengal. The programme aims to resolve the issues of fishermen and other stakeholders and facilitate their economic upliftment through various schemes and initiatives.
Sagar Parikrama: An Overview
Sagar Parikrama is a nationwide campaign launched by the ministry in February 2023 to reach out to the coastal fishing communities and address their concerns and aspirations. The programme involves interactive sessions, review meetings, awareness campaigns, felicitation ceremonies and distribution of benefits under various schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY).
The programme also focuses on the sustainable balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for the food security of the nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities and the protection of marine ecosystems. The programme aims to bridge the gaps between the fisher communities and their expectations, development of fishing villages, upgradation and creation of infrastructure such as fishing harbours and landing centres to ensure sustainable and responsible development through an ecosystem approach.
Union Minister Rupala said, “Sagar Parikrama is a unique initiative to connect with the coastal communities and empower them with various schemes and benefits. We are committed to enhance the fish production, income and welfare of the fishers and ensure the conservation and management of the marine resources.”
West Bengal: A Key State for Fisheries Sector
West Bengal is one of the key states for the fisheries sector in India, with diverse aquatic resources, including more than eight lakh hectares of inland water bodies and a 158 km coastline. The state has a rich fish culture and contributes about 16 per cent of the country’s total fish production. The state also has a large population of fisherfolk, with about 4.5 lakh marine fishers and 17.5 lakh inland fishers.
The ministry has taken several steps to boost the fisheries sector in West Bengal under the PMMSY scheme, which was launched in May 2020 with an outlay of Rs 20,050 crore for a period of five years. The scheme aims to enhance fish production, create employment opportunities, improve income and welfare of fishers and ensure inclusive growth of the sector.
Some of the major interventions under PMMSY in West Bengal include development of fishing harbours at Digha, Shankarpur, Sultanpur and Ganga Sagar; establishment of fish seed hatcheries; promotion of cage culture; development of cold chain infrastructure; provision of fishing vessels; support for value addition; promotion of seaweed cultivation; establishment of fish farmer producer organizations (FPOs); and capacity building and training.
Minister of State Murugan said, “West Bengal has immense potential for the fisheries sector and we are providing all possible support to tap this potential. We are developing world-class infrastructure, promoting innovative technologies, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating awareness among the fishers about various schemes and benefits.”
Ministerial Participation and Events
The 12th phase of Sagar Parikrama will witness the participation of Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying L Murugan, senior officials from the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, Government of West Bengal, National Fisheries Development Board, Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India, fishermen associations and other dignitaries.
The events will be held at Digha, Shankarpur Fishing Harbour, Sultanpur Fishing Harbour (at Diamond Harbour) and Ganga Sagar from January 10 to January 11, 2024. The events will include recognition and felicitation of progressive fishermen, fish farmers and young fisheries entrepreneurs; distribution of KCC cards and other benefits; inauguration and foundation stone laying of various projects; review meetings with state fisheries officials; interactive sessions with fishermen, fish farmers and stakeholders; awareness campaigns on various schemes; exhibition stalls showcasing best practices and innovations; cultural programmes highlighting local art forms; and boat rallies.
A beneficiary from Digha said, “I am very happy to receive a KCC card under Sagar Parikrama. This will help me to avail easy credit for my fishing activities. I thank the government for this scheme.”
The 12th phase of Sagar Parikrama is expected to be another significant step towards fostering a thriving and sustainable fishing community in West Bengal and enhancing the contribution of the fisheries sector to the economy and food security of the nation.