Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/MS)

Udupi, Mar 20: “Fisheries will be considered as a priority sector in the country and plans will be drawn to develop it comprehensively,” said union minister for fishing, animal husbandry and dairy farming Puruthotham Rupala.

Rupala spoke after inaugurating the Sagara Parikrama programme at Malpe sea port on Sunday March 19.

Rupala further said, “A separate fishing ministry is opened in order to listen to the woes of fishermen. Various programmes like increasing the fish production and convenience of fishermen and fishing are implemented at a cost of Rs 20050 crore under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada scheme.

“Through Sagara Parikrama scheme has the intention of meeting all the fishermen along the 8000 km coast of the country and addressing their issues. In addition to making the fishermen know the benefits of the scheme, their requirements will be fulfilled. Already the union fishing ministry has met fishermen of Karwar and listened to their issues,” he said.

In his introductory speech, Dr Balaji, joint secretary of fisheries department said, “We have visited Maharashtra, Diu and Daman as part of Sagara Parikrama scheme. As the fourth phase, we have come to Karnataka. Karnataka stood first in fish production in the country last year and is making excellent progress this year too.”

Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat, MLA of Kaup Lalaji R Mendon, president of state backward classes commission Jayaprakash Hegde, Mysore electrical industries limited president Udayakumar Shetty, president of fisheries marketing federation Yashpal Suvarna, city municipality president Sumitra Nayam and others were present.