4,000 Fishing Boats to be Equipped with Satellite Systems
PaperDabba News Desk: July 12, 2024
The state’s fisheries department is undergoing significant changes to improve the sector. The Minister for Agriculture, Cooperation, Warehousing, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries, Kinjarapu Achchennaidu, expressed his concerns about the current state of the fisheries department. On Wednesday, a review meeting was held at the Fisheries Commissioner’s office in Bengaluru, Vijayawada. Achchennaidu extended his best wishes to all fishermen on National Fishermen’s Day during the conference. He stated that this was his first review of the fisheries department since taking charge as a minister.
Key Directives on Fishermen’s Welfare
Achchennaidu highlighted several key issues that need immediate attention. He pointed out that the previous government had neglected the fisheries department and left a backlog of diesel subsidies amounting to Rs. 10 crores. Orders have been issued to clear these dues. The minister plans to bring these issues to the attention of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. He also directed officials to study and observe the fisheries development programs implemented in states like Kerala and Gujarat and closely monitor field conditions.
Review of Past Government Programs
The minister criticized the previous government’s handling of the compensation given to fishermen during the fishing ban period, noting that many ineligible individuals received benefits. He ordered a re-survey of beneficiaries and a report within 20 days. Achchennaidu emphasized the need to increase production capacity in the fisheries sector and develop plans to boost exports. He also stressed the importance of utilizing the state’s 947 km long coastline for fisheries production and exports.
The review extended to the programs implemented between 2019 and 24. Allegations were made against the previous government for awarding tenders for five harbors to their associates and even providing 40% of the funds before starting the work. Reports on the current status of these harbors, such as Budagatlapalem, Pudimadaka, Kottapatnam, Odarevu, and Biyyaputhippa, have been requested.
Future Plans and Initiatives
Achchennaidu directed officials to revive the schemes implemented between 2014-2019. He mentioned that if reports on the financial status of the fisheries department are prepared, efforts will be made to get them approved in the upcoming budget sessions. Measures to resolve conflicts among fishermen during the fishing season and plans for constructing shelters for fishermen were discussed. He also called for reports on loans available to fishermen from banks.
To ensure fishermen’s safety during natural disasters, satellite systems are being installed on fishing boats. Currently, there are 20,000 fishing boats in the state, and the central government has ordered the installation of satellite systems on 4,000 boats, with plans to extend this to all ships in phases.
The review meeting was attended by Penamaluru MLA Bode Prasad, Secretary of Horticulture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries, Sri Ahmad Babu, Fisheries Commissioner Mrs. A. Suryakumari, Additional Directors Dr. (Mrs.) S. Anjali, Joint Directors Dr. V. Venkateswara Rao, G. Heera Naik, S.K. Lal Mohammed, Deputy Directors P. Madhavilatha, P.V. Satyanarayana, and Assistant Director P.V.V.S.N. Murthy.
