Mumbai, 26 April (IANS). The Central Government is going to organize ‘Coastal States Meat 2025’ in Mumbai on 28 April, in which fisheries projects costing Rs 255 crore will be introduced to promote the maritime fisheries sector.
An official statement on Saturday said that the event is being organized under the chairmanship of Fisheries Department, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for seven coastal states and union territories (UT) with a total outlay of Rs 255.30 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The ministers will also launch several important initiatives with the aim of strengthening marine fisheries and promoting sustainable practice. These include the release of the Standard Operating Procedure for Marine Fisheries Census Operations, Turtle Excluder device (TED) project and Vasel Communication and Support System.
The fisheries sector in India plays an important role in supporting rural livelihood and contributing to the national economy.
India claims rich marine resources, with a huge coastline and a special economic zone (EEZ) of 2.02 million square kilometers. India has significant capacity in the maritime fisheries sector, which is estimated to be 5.31 million tonnes.
The coastal states and union territories include about 3,477 coastal fishing villages, producing 72 percent of the country’s total fish production and constitute 76 percent of India’s total seafood exports.
Under the Prime Minister Fisheries Kisan Samriddhi cum-plan (PMMKSSY), beneficiaries will also get Aqua Insurance Certificate and Kisan Credit Card (KCC). The government has introduced Aqua Insurance for the first time, which provides dedicated financial security to Aqua farmers.
This historical initiative ensures target insurance coverage, digital access and concentrated support for marginalized communities in the fisheries sector.
The ‘Coastal States Meet 2025’ will also have major technical sessions. In addition, the program will conduct an exhibition displaying innovative technology, products and initiatives in fisheries and aquatic agricultural sector.
-IANS
SKT/ABM
