New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the development of coastal areas and the welfare of working fishermen is one of the important priorities of the government. The Prime Minister outlined multifaceted plans for coastal zone development to transform the blue economy, improve coastal infrastructure, and preserve the marine ecosystem. The Prime Minister was addressing the function after dedicating the Kochi-Mangaluru Natural Gas Pipeline to the nation through a video conference today.
The Prime Minister spoke in detail of the coastal states of Kerala and Karnataka, detailing his vision of fast and balanced coastal area development. He said that a comprehensive plan is being launched to develop the blue economy in coastal states like Karnataka, Kerala, and other South Indian states.
He said that the blue economy would be an important source of self-reliant India. Ports and coastal roads are being connected and its focus is on multimode connectivity. He said that we are working with the objective of transforming our coastal region into a role model of ease of living and ease of trade.
The Prime Minister discussed the fishermen community in the coastal areas, who are not only dependent on marine wealth but also its protectors. The government has taken several steps for the conservation and prosperity of the coastal ecosystem.
These steps include assistance to fishermen working in deep-sea, separate fisheries departments, providing affordable loans, and giving farmers credit cards to those engaged in fisheries. This is helping entrepreneurs and general fishermen.
The Prime Minister also discussed the recently launched 20 thousand crores Matsya Sampada Yojana. This scheme will directly benefit millions of fishermen in Kerala and Karnataka. India is making rapid progress in fish product exports. All steps are being taken to convert India into a quality seafood processing hub. India can play a major role in meeting the growing demand for seaweed, as farmers are being encouraged to plant seaweed.