Mangaluru: Union Minister for fisheries Parshottam Rupala has assured fishermen necessary measures to provide fishing vessels made as per their specific requirements under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna.
During the interactions with the minister as part of the 'SagarParikrama' programme, fishermen requested him to make few changes in the technical specification of the fishing boats to suit their requirements.
"During the Sagar Parikrama, senior officials from Union and state fisheries departments have realised the demand of fishermen. The fishermen have been asked to provide the technical specifications of the boats based on which appropriate action will be taken," said Rupala.
The government has introduced 'Support for Acquisition of Deep-Sea Fishing vessels for traditional fishermen' for promoting deep-sea fishing in the coastal states and Union Territories under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Sagar Parikrama Phase IV commenced on March 17 at Mormugao Port, Goa, and travelled through the Uttar Kannada coast to enter Karnataka on March 18. The programme concluded in Mangaluru after covering Udupi on March 19.
Sagar Parikrama is a government programme which reflects a far-reaching policy strategy aimed at directly interacting with fishers and fish farmers to understand the issues of coastal areas and problems related to fishermen.
Rupala discussed the several initiatives undertaken by the Union government to improve the well-being of fishermen. "We have introduced the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for the fishermen, which they can use to meet their requirements without relying on money lenders and paying high interest," said the minister.
