“Sagar Parikrama” Program

In News

• The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is organizing the “Sagar Parikrama” program on the occasion of the 75th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava.

Sagar Parikrama

• About: 
  • As a mark of gratitude to our seas, Sagar Parikrama Program is saluting our great freedom fighters, sailors and fishers.
  • The first leg of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ shall begin from Gujarat on 5th Feb 2022.
  • Sagar Parikrama program is proposed to be celebrated in all coastal states/UTs.
• Focus: 
  • Sustainable balance between the utilisation of marine fisheries resources for food security of the nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities 
  • Protection of marine ecosystems.
• States included:
  • It is proposed to be conducted in all coastal states/UTs through a pre-decided sea route to demonstrate solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders as a spirit of Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
  • States includes: 
    • Gujarat, 
    • Diu, 
    • Maharashtra, 
    • Goa, 
    • Karnataka, 
    • Kerala, 
    • Tamil Nadu, 
    • Andhra Pradesh, 
    • Odisha, 
    • West Bengal, 
    • Andaman & Nicobar and 
    • Lakshadweep Islands
• Agenda: 
  • Awards: During the event, certificates /sanctions related to Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampadha scheme (PMMSY), KCC & State Scheme shall be awarded to the progressive fishermen, especially costal fishermen, fishers and fish farmers, young fishery entrepreneurs etc. 
  • Awareness: Literature on PMMSY scheme, State schemes, FIDF, KCC etc. shall be popularised among fishers through print media, electronic media, videos & digital campaign with jingles.  
  • Cultural: A song on Sagar Parikrama shall also be launched in the contest of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava’.

Ocean Economy

• Oceans are vital to the economies, security and livelihoods of Indian coastal states. 
• The Country has a coastline of 8118 km.
  • It covers 9 maritime States/4UTs.
  • Gujarat has a coastal length of 1214 km, covering 16 coastal districts having huge diversity of marine based ecosystems and development opportunities. 
• Fisher folk, vendors and industries have a direct stake in the development of the fisheries sector in economic value, especially exports.
• Ocean economy provides livelihood support to millions of coastal fisher folk. 
• Oceans are the world’s single largest ecosystem, covering nearly three-fourths of the earth’s surface.

Conclusion 

• Oceans provide a massive arena for emerging complex and interconnected development issues such livelihoods, climate change, commerce, and security.
• The Government of India is in the forefront in transforming the fisheries sector and to formulate fisheries management plans along with a regulatory framework towards effective fisheries governance to ensure sustainable and responsible development through an ecosystem approach.

Source: PIB