Fisheries sector in India play a significant role in the Indian economy and provide livelihood to millions of fisher folk. India is the 3rd largest fish producing and 2nd largest aquaculture producing nation in the world. The Blue Revolution in India demonstrated importance of Fisheries and Aquaculture sector. To improve the quality of life and economic well-being of people in rural areas and to create more livelihood opportunities, a holistic approach has been adopted by the Government of India to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“SagarParikrama” is an evolutionary journey envisaged in the sea across the coastal belt demonstrating solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders as a spirit of 75th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav saluting our great freedom fighters, sailors and fishers. It is an initiative by Government of India, aiming to resolve the issues of the fishers and other stakeholders and facilitate their economic upliftment through various fisheries schemes and programs being implemented by the Government of India such as PMMSY& KCC.
The journey of “Sagar Parikrama” has started with the theme of “KRANTI se SHANTI” on 5th March 2022 from Mandvi, Gujarat covering 3 locations Mandavi, Okha-Dwarka and Porbandar. Followed by Phase-II program covered 7 locations from Mangrol, Veraval, Diu, Jafrabad, Surat, Daman &Valsad. Later, Phase-III ‘SagarParikrama’ covered the 5 locations in coastal areas of northern Maharashtra namely Satpati (District Palghar), Vasai, Versova, New Ferry Wharf (BhauchaDhakka) & Sasson Dock, and other areas of Mumbai. Phase IV ‘SagarParikrama’ in Karnataka covered main locations viz.Udupi and Dakshina Kannada& Uttar Kannada. 50,000 people physically attended the event and the program was live-streamed on various social media platforms and around 30,000 people watched the event. Successfully completed Sagar Parikrama in four phases covering 19 locations in Gujarat, Damen & Diu, Maharashtra and Karnataka. SagarParikrama song has been launched in Gujarati, Marathi& Kannada.
SagarParikrama Phase-V, journey shall continue covering 6 locations Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg Districts in Maharashtra and Vasco, Maorugoa, and Canacona in Goa.
Maharashtra has 720 km. of coastline with a continental shelf area of 111512 sq. km and 5 coastal districts Thane, Raigad, Greater Mumbai, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Maharashtra state ranks 7th with around 5 %share in the country’s fish production and is yet to explore its untapped potential completely. Marine fisheries had always a major share (currently 82 %) compared to inland fisheries (currently 18 %) for Maharashtra.
Goa is bestowed with a coastline of 104 km with numerous bays and headlands. The continental shelf area of Goa extends to 10,000 km2 of about 100 fathoms depths. The current annual average marine and inland fish production is estimated at 86,027 and 3669 tonnes, respectively. Fish is considered a staple diet for more than 90% of the population of Goa and holds greater importance to the state of Goa being an integral part of Goan life and culture. The annual average per capita consumption of fish in Goa is 15-17 kg. The marine fishery sector provides livelihood to a large number of people in Goa.
