Fisheries infrastructure projects worth Rs 36.49 crore to be launched in Puducherry
New Delhi: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will launch fisheries infrastructure projects worth Rs 36.49 crore in Puducherry on September 1. The projects aim to strengthen the fisheries value chain and create better livelihood opportunities.
The Department of Fisheries will organise the launch at Kamarajar Manimadapam, Puducherry. The event will also include a multi-dimensional capacity building conclave on cooperative-led seaweed farming.
The programme will focus on sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. It will also promote better infrastructure, efficient value chains and cooperative-led development.
Singh, Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, will attend the programme. Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, will also participate.
K. Kailashnathan, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy will attend the event. Several other ministers, legislators and senior officials will also take part.
Fish farmers and fishers will participate in person. Women fish farmers and fishers will also attend the programme. Officials from the Union and Puducherry governments will join representatives from the fisheries value chain.
Puducherry has emerged as a model for sustainable and infrastructure-led fisheries development under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Union Territory has rich marine resources and a large fishing community.
The government has invested in modern fisheries facilities across Puducherry. These include the upgraded Thengaithittu Fishing Harbour and a modern Fish Landing Centre at Nallavadu.
The facilities have improved fish handling, vessel berthing, auctioning and safety arrangements. They have benefited thousands of fishers and more than 600 fishing families in coastal areas.
Fisheries infrastructure supports cooperative-led growth
Puducherry has also advanced cooperative-led seaweed farming through the Advanced Centre for Innovation and Capacity Development at Karaikal. The centre uses modern technology to promote sustainable livelihoods, especially for fisherwomen.
The fisheries infrastructure programme also supports the government’s wider Blue Economy goals. Together, these efforts seek to create jobs, improve incomes and strengthen the fisheries value chain.
The Government of India has adopted a cluster approach for fisheries development. Under PMMSY, it has notified Karaikal as a Fishing Harbour Cluster.
A Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour is also being developed in Karaikal. The project carries a total outlay of Rs 119.94 crore.
The proposed facility will support safe vessel berthing and hygienic fish handling. It will also improve marketing and operational efficiency.
As a result, the project aims to strengthen the fisheries value chain and create better livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
The integrated approach will also focus on Fish Farmer Producer Organisations and fisheries cooperatives. It will help strengthen their institutional capacity and access to modern infrastructure.
In addition, the initiative will improve access to finance, technology, value addition and markets. Collective action across the fisheries value chain will support wider participation by coastal communities.
The government said the approach would help Puducherry tap its fisheries potential in a sustainable manner. It will also seek to raise incomes and create new livelihood opportunities.
The September 1 programme will bring together policymakers, fishers, farmers, cooperatives and industry stakeholders. Their participation will support a coordinated approach to fisheries development in the Union Territory.
