Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, along with Minister of State for Fisheries, L. Murugan, and former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, laid the foundation stone for India’s first-ever multipurpose seaweed park in Vazhamavur. The park, which will be constructed at a cost of ₹127.71 crore, aims to generate employment opportunities for fisherfolks from six coastal districts and improve the economic independence of women.
Seaweed, known for its various applications in manufacturing medicines and food ingredients, will be the main focus of the park. The fishermen will receive adequate training in seaweed production and marketing.
India is already a pioneer in the export of seafood, and the aim is to also become a pioneer in the export of seaweed. In line with this, the Prime Minister has allotted ₹38,500 crore for the Fisheries Department, supporting the economic development of fishermen and improving infrastructure.
Furthermore, in addition to the success of distributing Kisan Credit Cards to fishermen, similar credit cards have now been introduced for them as well, benefiting 374 fishermen in Ramanathapuram district with ₹4.71 crore in financial assistance. The scheme will be expanded, providing financial assistance to 1,000 fishermen annually.
During their visit, the ministers inspected the fishing jetty in Ramanathapuram and discussed the demands of the fishermen. They have requested the provision of air ambulance services for emergency medical treatment in the mid-sea and have also asked for national fishermen identity cards to be issued for deep-sea fishermen sailing to far-off coastal areas in different states.
The foundation stone laying ceremony was attended by Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Fisheries, Neethu Prasad, State Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Commissioner K. S. Palaniswamy, Ramanathapuram Collector B. Vishnu Chandran, and Assistant Collector, Training, Sivanandam.
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