Union Home Minister Amit Shah today informed that the government is planning to distribute at least 200 deep-sea fishing vessels on a cooperative basis across the country in the next five years. He was speaking at Mumbai’s Mazagon Dock after distributing two deep-sea fishing vessels and handing over vessel registration certificates and the symbolic keys of the vessels to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. He added that the government also aims to introduce a comprehensive scheme to facilitate the collection, processing and export of sea produce in order to strengthen India’s fishing industry and ensure that profits reach the hardworking fishermen.
Highlighting the importance of India’s vast coastline, Mr Shah said that it holds immense possibilities and potential. He further informed that India’s sea produce was 102 lakh tonnes in 2014, which has now reached 195 lakh tonnes. Domestic production has increased from 67 lakh tonnes in 2014 to 147 lakh tonnes, while maritime production has risen from 35 lakh tonnes to 47 lakh tonnes. Mr Shah underscored the significance of cooperation in every sector, including fisheries, and asserted that the country will become prosperous only when every person and every family prospers and becomes self-reliant.
Addressing the occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that loans provided to fisheries cooperative societies and initiatives such as the distribution of deep-sea fishing vessels will strengthen India’s marine economy and make a significant contribution to the nation’s economic growth. He noted that Maharashtra recorded a growth of around 45 per cent last year in fish production and expressed confidence that in the coming days, the state will lead the country in this sector. He further informed that Union Minister Amit Shah has assured that the funds required to purchase such deep-sea fishing vessels will be made available through the NCDC (National Cooperative Development Corporation) to boost the marine economy.
Maharashtra Minister for Fisheries and Ports Nitesh Rane hailed the occasion as a milestone in bringing about economic prosperity for fishing communities. He stated that the government plans to distribute similar deep-sea fishing vessels to 12 more fisheries cooperative societies in the state soon. He informed that his department is making innovative use of Artificial Intelligence and underscored the importance of integrating fishing, aquaculture and cooperation.
Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Minister of State (Cooperation) Murlidhar Mohol, Maharashtra Minister for Cooperation Babasaheb Patil, Maharashtra Minister of State for Cooperation and Home (Rural) Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, senior officials of the concerned departments and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
