Sagar Parikrama Program

On February 19, 2023, the Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, along with the National Fisheries Development Board, launched Phase III of the Sagar Parikrama program from Surat, Gujarat.

About Sagar Parikrama

Sagar Parikrama is a special project by the Government of India that involves a journey across the coastal areas. The aim is to show support and unity with fishermen, fish farmers, and everyone involved in the fishing industry. This initiative is part of the 75th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating 75 years of India’s independence.

Major Highlights of the Program

The main objectives of the program are to disseminate information about various fisheries related schemes and programs, promoting responsible fisheries with a focus on sustainable balance, and protection of marine ecosystems.
The Phase-I of the program started in March 2022 from Mandvi and ended on 6th March 2022 at Porbandar, Gujarat.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) cards were distributed to fishers and fish farmers.
It was also declared that the Satpati Fish Market would be inaugurated according to the state-of-the-art standards.

Significance

The programme will have an interaction with fishermen, fisher communities and stakeholders in order to know the problems of Coastal Fisher folk.
To improve the quality of life and economic well-being of people in rural areas.
To create more livelihood opportunities, a holistic approach has been adopted by the Government of India to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Status of the Fisheries Sector in India

India is the second major producer of fish through aquaculture in the world.
India is the 4th largest exporter of fish in the world as it contributes 7.7% to the global fish production.
Also, India ranks 1st in inland capture fish production and 3rd in overall fish production in the world.
Currently, this sector provides livelihood to more than 2.8 crore people within the country.

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing poses a big challenge in India’s fishing industry, often slipping under the radar. This not only causes a drop in the number of fish but also puts honest fishermen at a disadvantage.
India’s fishing sector faces a major hurdle due to inadequate infrastructure. The lack of proper storage, processing, and transportation facilities leads to losses after the catch, making it difficult to reach better markets.
Small-scale fishermen in India find it tough to get the necessary financial support. Limited access to credit means they can’t invest in their businesses, making it hard for them to enhance their way of life.
India’s fishing industry is feeling the effects of climate change. Shifts in fish habitats and changes in reproduction patterns are occurring. Additionally, the increased risk of natural disasters like cyclones and floods is damaging fishing boats and infrastructure.

Way Forward

Promoting Sustainable Fishing Practices: The government can encourage sustainable fishing practices such as promoting responsible fishing techniques and setting quotas and restrictions to prevent overfishing. This will ensure the longevity of fish stocks and protect the livelihoods of fishers.

Strengthening IUU Fishing Regulations: The government should strengthen regulations to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. This can include measures such as satellite monitoring of fishing boats and penalties for violators.

Developing Infrastructure: Investment in infrastructure such as cold storage facilities, processing plants, and transportation will improve the quality of fish products and reduce post-harvest losses.

Read Also: Fishing Industry in India