Sagar Parikrama Phase III: Focus on Developing Sustainable Balance Between Use of Marine Fishery Resources & Fishermen's Livelihood

The 'Sagar Parikrama' Phase III Program unveiled by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying on February 19th, 2023, from Surat, Gujarat, proceeding along the Maharashtra coast, reaching Satpati on February 20th, 2023, and ending on February 21st, 2023, at Sasson Dock in Mumbai. Joint Secretary, Sagar Mehra and Chief Executive, Dr. C Suvarna also graced the event.

On 20^th February (The second Day of Event), Rupala was welcomed by Fisher women with Koli Band and Tilak Poojan. Fishermen praised PM for women empowerment. Approx. 1000 fishermen and fish farmers and other dignitaries participated in the meeting at Satpati. Ex-Governor, Uttar Pradesh, Ram Naik also expressed his opinion on the betterment of fishermen’s livelihood. Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister for Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra said that only three Departments in World, Forest, Agriculture & Water can give food to stomach.

Fishermen were extremely happy due to the visit by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra praised the Sagar Parikrama along the coastline of 720 Km of Maharashtra. They felt that this Sagar Parikrama will help in highlighting their many important issues and economic upliftment for them. He highlighted the vedic importance of Matsya Kanya Devi Satywati who was related to Fisheries community. Minister declared that Satpati Fish Market will be inaugurated very soon, as per the state-of-the-art standards. A similar event took place at Vasai with approximately 3000 participants and a discussion was held on the issues of the fisheries sector.

Many people have been honored by providing the certificate to the people who saved the life of policemen by evacuating the boat from sinking. The following lifesavers received certificates for showing great courage and bravery i) Rakesh Meher, ii) Atish Meher, iii) Ritesh Meher, iv) Chandrakant Tandel, v) Harish Chandra Meher.KCC cards were also distributed to fishers and fish farmers. Vasai program terminated on the second day of Sagar Parikrama yatra.

Third day event proceeded on 21st February 2023 at Varsova. The program is being held from Varsova to Bhaucha Dhakka and from Bhaucha Dhakka to Sassoon Dock. Rupala was welcomed by Fisher women’s with Koli Band and Tilak Poojan. He informed that he has joined Sagar Parikrama to understand the profession, life, culture, current state of respected fishermen which will help him in preparing the policy and thanked everyone for providing the valuable time. The program started at varsova by lighting the lamp and koli dance in the presence of the dignitaries. The following dignitaries also participated in the event:

• Fisheries Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, MH

• Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of State, Tourism, Skill Development Entrepreneurship and Guardian Minister Mumbai Sub Unban District

• Gajanan Kirtikar, Member of Parliament, Mumbai Nort-West

• Gopal Shetty, Member of Parliament, Mumbai North

• J. N. Swain, I.A.S. Secretary, Fisheries, GoI

• Kapil Patil, MLC

• Vilas Potnis, MLC

• Rajhans Sinha, MLC

• Ramesh Patil, MLC

• Aslam Shaikh, MLA, Malad West

• Adv. Ashish Shelar, MLA, Bandra West

• Manisha Chaudhary, MLA, Dahisar

• Dr. Bharti Lavekar, MLA, Versova

• Rutuja Latake, MLA, Andheri East

• Amit Satam, MLA, Juhu

• Sunil Rane, MLA, Borivali

• Yogesh Sagar, MLA, Charkop

• Dr. C. Suvarna, Chief Executive, NFDB

• Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, Fisheries

• Dr. Atul Patne, Secy. Fisheries, Maharashtra State

• Hruta Dixit, Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries, Maharashtra State

• Yuvraj Chougale, Joint Commissioner of Fisheries, Maharashtra State

An introductory speech on Sagar Parikrama was enlighten by Joint Secretary, Sagar Mehra, Fisheries (phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3) and the fishermen was happy after listening and can relate the importance and impact that will bring in their lives. The local fishermen participated and represented in the event ensuring representation of fisher’s interest. Parshottam Rupala highlighted important information such as:

• The fishermen have been showing keen interest towards highlighting their issues/problems and the same has been addressed. Further, he was happy that our leadership has fought for fishermen subsidy issue at international level which will help in long run in bringing economic development and empowerment.

• He had mentioned about KCC which is being given collateral free for 1.6 lac, where fishermen can take loan from the banks.

• As like agriculture farmers, certainly the fish farmers can take the loan at same Rate of Interest with different degrees of subsidy to fish farmers as and when they return the same in time bound manner.

• Other leaders informed the people to please come forward and take the benefit of the KCC and support themselves in improving their own lives.

• Parshottam Rupala also mentioned as he was aware of the problem related to unsustainable fish catching, he advised fishers to use the methods such as fish ranching, sea ranching to be taken in action, so that we can increase the growth, production and fishermen can have good value of catching fishes.

• Further mentioned that there are various asset of life that affect the youth. He had given an example of Arnala that youth were very happy that the ship has been named on the name of their village which has boosted their confidence.

• Mentioned the issue of fishing with use of LED, he said necessary actions will be taken in this matter.

• Certificate for two components of PMMSY was awarded by Hon’ble Minister.

• Sate Minster of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra informed that 1.5 lacs registration of the street vendor has been completed and program of direct benefit transfer of Rs 10,000 per registered street vendor were given by for which he specially thanked fishermen for participating in program and achieving the benefit.

Overall zest of presentation was uplifted with an energy by Dr. Arpita Sharma, Principal Scientist. Rupala has distributed Kisan Credit Card to the following people i) Sonia Rajiv Koli, ii) Kavita Milton Koli, iii) Kamlakar Koli, iv) Milton Koli, v) Kalpana Balchandra Koli. Bank of India has played an important role and served huge contribution towards the same. Dr. Arpita appreciated the work done by Bank of India and thanked to i) Ashok R. Sakpal (Deputy Zonal Manager), ii) Durgesh Kulkarni (Chief Manager). Karande, Finance Minister, ensures that he will schedule the meeting with all banks under the leadership of union minister of fisheries and will support fishermen solving the issues related to loan, subsidy etc. 

Parshottam Rupala has taken an initiative and distributed e-Shram Card to the following people i) Sunita Koli, ii) Atish Manoj Koli, iii) John Pedru Koli, iv) Madhukar Gajanan Koli. The information related to PMMSY scheme for various project such as RAS, Insulated Vehicle, Open Cage Culture, Value Added Product has been explained to fishermen & fish farmers and the problems faced by fish farmers, women leaders have been submitted and addressed. Further informed, skill base training shall be provided to fishermen so that they can improve the quality of their lives in sustainable manner. Post distribution of the e-Shram card ceremony, Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying and our guest addresses the gathering where most of the people performed and interacted in conventional way.

During the event, certificates/sanctions related to Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada scheme, KCC & State Scheme has been awarded to the progressive fishermen, especially coastal fishermen, fishers and fish farmers, young fishery entrepreneurs etc. Literature on PMMSY scheme, State schemes, e-shram, FIDF, KCC etc. has been popularized through print media, electronic media, videos, digital campaign through jingles among fishers for wide publicity of schemes.  A song on Sagar Parikrama in Marathi has launched.

Campaign for promotion of KCC was held in Maharashtra and Gujarat on 16th and 17th February 2023 by Department of Fisheries, Government of India. A team of officers from Department of Fisheries, met and had a camp meeting at Vasai on 16th February 2023. The Fishers and Fish farmers were made aware about KCC for fisheries, registration & its benefits.

KCC campaign for fishermen and fish farmers for Mumbai city and Mumbai suburban at Sasson Dock, Mumbai officers for DoF, GoI and State fisheries Department, Government of Maharashtra, Lead Bank representative, Bank of India, representative from Mumbai District Bank and around zoo fishermen and fish farmers participated in the camp on 17th February 2023. All tried to understand the issues of the fisherman & fish farmers. Back representatives explained the details of KCC for fishermen and fish farmers and its benefits.

The journey of Sagar Parikrama focused on developing 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, to bridge the gaps of fisher communities, and their expectations, development of fishing villages, upgradation and creation of infrastructure such as fishing harbours & landing centers to ensure sustainable and responsible development through an ecosystem approach in coming phases.

It is pertinent to mention that officers from the central department of fisheries have given exemplary contribution toward Sagar Parikrama event. Also, performed all core job duties at an extraordinary level and demonstrates consistent mastery in all aspects of duties and responsibilities during the event from start to end. Below are the name of the officers contributed and showed their dedication to the Sagar Parikrama event.

• Jatindra Nath Swain, IAS, Secretary, Fisheries

• Dr. J. Balaji, Joint Secretary (Marine Fisheries)

• Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries)

• Dr. Atul Patne, Secretary. Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra

The program is being held from Varsova to Bhaucha Dhakka and from Bhaucha Dhakka to Sassoon Dock. Post attending the first half session at Varsova, Parshottam Rupala walked the path to attend the event in new location at New Ferry Wharf, Dist. Mumbai City. Rupala was welcomed with warmth and kindness. The program started at New Ferry Wharf by lighting the lamp in the presence of the dignitaries.

Dignitaries started interaction with fishermen present at the event. This interactive session helped fishermen to come out with their issues faced and the same helped our guests to know the issues, addressed the same for improvement on fisheries development. Fishermen who have attended and participated the event are the following:

• Faisal Alware, Secretary, Bhaucha Dhakka Sea Food Suppliers

• Ramdas Sandhe, Director, Maharashtra Rajya Machimar Sangh

• Vijay Gidhi, Chairman, Maharashtra Rajya Machimar Sangh

• Dilip Paghdhare, Chairman, Mahim Matya Vavsai Society

• A. Gafoor Ladhani, V. President, New Jetty Sea Food Dealers Association

• Prabhu Tandel, Chairman, New Fish Jetty Trawler Association

• Chetan Koli, Fishermen

Also, an inauguration and hand over of vehicles (truck) took place under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY). Parshottam Rupala and Sudhir Mungantiwar Minister for Fisheries, MH has enlightened and guided the audience with thought process on fisheries as well as encourages the audience to share their experience through any mode of communication.

Jatindra Nath Swain (IAS), Secretary, Fisheries walked through the facts and stressed in his speech. Following are the important points addressed by him:

• We can use the resources from these regions to create employment, reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of people living there. In this regard, Government of India has taken various initiatives to promote Blue Economy in the country.

• The Department of Fisheries has launched a flagship scheme to develop and catapult the marine fisheries development through its flagship programme Pradhan Mantri Matasya Sampada Yojana.

• I am enthralled to say that the economic benefits of artificial reefs in India are tremendous. Artificial reefs promote healthy fisheries by providing shelter and habitat for fish, resulting in increased catches and revenue for local fishermen.

• Therefore, I would request my coastal fisherfolk to plunge in creating Artificial reef in the coastal water. Artificial reefs also increase the value of coastal property, as they attract tourists and divers looking for a unique experience. Additionally, artificial reefs create employment for people involved in their construction, maintenance, and management. These employments are often filled by local people, providing them with a steady source of income.

• Department of Fisheries is well cognizant of the fact that sea-ranching and river ranching on a large scale are important conservation tools to help maintain healthy fish populations.

• We have plan in place for releasing large numbers of juvenile fish into the wild, these practices is believed to restore fish populations that have been depleted due to overfishing, pollution, or habitat destruction. This will also help ensuring our future generations access to healthy, abundant fish stocks. Additionally, these practices will also help in creating new jobs and economic opportunities in fishing communities by providing a new source of income for local fishermen. Finally, by providing a source of food for local communities, sea-ranching and river ranching will help in poverty alleviation and food insecurity in coastal and river-based communities.

• There is need to educate fishermen with respect to dissemination of information relating to modern/mechanized fishing techniques and efficient marketing of fish catch.

• Equally important is the need for more innovative technologies in this sector, diffusion of developed technology by extension workers and adoption by the clients. Educating fishermen about modern fishing techniques is reported to have a significant impact on adoption of recommended fish culture practices by the farmers.

• Inadequate infrastructure and flow of information technology are the major barriers for better market integration in the existing marine fish markets of India.

• Measures need to be taken to increase production of both marine and inland capture fisheries from reservoirs, etc. and culture fisheries to increase the overall fish production.

• There is also scope for exploitation of offshore and deep-sea fishery resources through introduction of newly designed fuel saving multi-day mechanized fishing vessels and deep-sea fishing vessels. The need for the multi-day mechanized fishing vessels as well as the deep-sea vessels is also felt in the state of Maharashtra.

• Besides the domestic market, our fisheries and aquaculture sector contribute greatly to export earnings as well. We exported 13.69 lakh metric tons of fisheries products valued at Rs.57,587 crores (USD 7.76 billion) during 2021-22.

• DoF has duly factored in the sectoral requirements and interventions for doubling exports. The Department envisages infusion of financial assistance of more than Rs 10,000 crores in a phased manner. We have envisioned creation and establishment of quality brood and seed facilities in the country, further area expansion of aquaculture, developing post-harvest infrastructure including seamless cold chain, deep sea fishing to traditional fishers and modern fishing vessels for improvised export competency, developing modern fishing harbours and fish landing centers, etc.

• I would highlight that there is a need for creating an ecosystem for enabling public private partnership so that the industry work in tandem with the department to create a robust plan for infrastructure development.

• This is necessary for ensuring efficiency and enhancing productivity in the value chain which would further translate into higher income for fishers and fish farmers and provide safe and nutritious food to the consumer. I would also suggest that we also need to enhance the value addition, processing, handling, and the promotion of cleanliness in indigenous fish markets so that right value is gained by the fishermen and quality is ensured for the consumer.

• We envision that by 2025, fisheries sector will play a vital role in catapulting and complimenting the agriculture growth of 4% in the coming year by increasing its production to 22 MMT. While we are confident that the launch of “PMMSY” will help in achieving the aforementioned target, however, it is imperative that necessary associations be established between various stakeholders. This will certainly help in transforming the sector and livelihood of fishers by adopting a multi- pronged holistic, socio-economic development approaches. The contribution of fisheries sector in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been well recognized.

• In order to consolidate the sectoral gains and sustain the rapid growth of the fisheries sector, the Government of India in last 8 years has ushered in transformational changes/reforms through multi-pronged strategies and focused interventions in the areas of fish production and productivity, technology infusion, strengthening and modernization of infrastructure, boosting domestic consumption and exports, growth of entrepreneurship and employment etc. with welfare of fishers and fish farmers at the core

• I understand that this Sagar Parikrama program will help us in understanding and connecting with the ground challenges that is being faced by our fisherfolk. This would enable us in devising better policy for improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people of the coastal community.

On the sidelines of the program, Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has launched new FSI website and released FSI Bulletin, No.34. The program was a great success, with more than 12,500 people physically attending the event from different places and the program was live streamed on various social media platforms such as YouTube, and Facebook which was watched by around 15,000 people.

Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde and Adv Narvekar have also participated in the event and encouraged the fishermen and fish farmers. Also, a lot of required funds were pumped in after 2014 and blue revolution, PMMSY were launched with multifarious activities both from inland and marine fisheries. Further, infrastructure development fund, reservoirs are being promoted. He mentioned that the Government of India has taken revolutionary decision for development of fishermen i.e., blue revolution, fisheries development also supported in foreign exchange. KCC cards, beneficiaries of PMMSY were also honored.