SAGAR Parikrama is a transformative voyage planned in the water across the coastal belt to show solidarity with fisherfolk, fish farmers, and other stakeholders in the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
It is an initiative from the Union Government aimed at understanding the life and the challenges that coastal fishermen face. The tours also aim at resolving the issues of fisherfolk and other stakeholders and facilitating their economic and overall upliftment.
The initiative also monitors implementation of various Government schemes and programmes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and the Kisan Credit Card for Fisheries (KCC).
Engaging with fishermen
The unique initiative includes visits to coastal areas across the entire country through a predetermined sea route, engaging with fishermen, fish farmers, and other beneficiaries of Government schemes to address their concerns and gather suggestions for the advancement of the fisheries sector.
The oceans and seas – the world’s largest ecosystem, covering nearly three-quarters of the earth’s surface – are critical to the economies, security, and livelihoods of lakhs of people in India, which has 8,118-kilometre of coastline spanning nine states and four Union Territories.
The fisheries sector of India has gradually evolved over the years to become an important pillar of socio-economic growth of the nation, according to Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Parshottam Rupala.
Commercial enterprise
What began as a traditional activity at the time of India’s Independence has now transformed into a commercial enterprise with a 22-fold increase in fish production.
From a mere 7.5 lakh tons in 1950-51, India’s total fish production has reached a record 162.48 lakh tons per annum in 2021-22, with a 10.34 per cent growth in 2021-22 in comparison to 2020-21. Today, India is the third largest fish producing country with about 8 per cent share in global fish production. It stands second in aquaculture production and one of the top cultured shrimps producing nation in the world, Rupala added.
The minister himself launched the initiative on March 5, 2022. The first leg began in Gujarat, from Mandvi and ended in Porbandar. And on June 12, 2023, Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase VII concluded at Trivandrum by covering entire coastal regions of Kerala.
Six phases of yatra
Phase II of the programme started on September 22, again in Gujarat, from Mangrol to Veraval, and then Mul Dwaraka. It ended September 25, passing through Madhwad, further to village visit at Diu Ghoghla, followed by Vanakbara, Diu Pipavav Jetty, Siyalbet, then Jafrabad to Hazira, till the last leg of Daman to Dhodiyapada in Valsad.
While Phase III started on February 19 from Surat, Gujarat, and ended on February 21 at Sasson Dock, Mumbai, Phase IV began at Mormugao Port, Goa on March 17 and concluded on March 19 in Mangalore.
Phase V of the Sagar Parikrama initiative commenced at Raigad in Maharashtra on May 17 and ended in Canacona, Goa after two days.
Rupala launched the sixth leg on May 29 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Apart from reaching out to all stakeholders, it was also aimed at supporting fishermen at Panighat’s fish landing centre.
The recently-concluded Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase VII covered the coastal areas of Kerala and the UT Administration of Lakshadweep between June 8 and 12.
