Govt. Rolls Out Rs. 4 Crore Project to Boost Fishermen’s Livelihoods in Visakhapatnam
The Union Fisheries Ministry has announced a plan to build multipurpose centers in Visakhapatnam’s coastal areas under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The project will cost Rs. 4 crore. Two centers will be set up, one in Mutayalammapalem (Parawada mandal) and another in Pentakota (Payakaraopeta mandal). These centers aim to improve the livelihoods of fishermen and tackle challenges in the fishing industry.
Each center will receive Rs. 2 crore in funding, with a focus on the most underdeveloped coastal villages. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha recently laid the foundation for the centers. She highlighted the government’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure for the fishing community.
The centers will provide essential resources to improve working conditions for fishermen. This includes eco-friendly platforms for drying fish, water facilities for cleaning and marketing, and transportation services for direct product distribution. The centers will also use advanced technologies, such as satellite devices for weather forecasting and systems to locate productive fishing zones. These features will help boost the local economy.
Additional facilities will include a cold storage unit, ice-making machines, and storage for fishing nets. To ensure operations run smoothly, 250 high-mast solar lamps will be installed along the coastline.
Training programs will be offered to young fishermen and women. The programs will teach skills like fish product preparation, marketing, hatchery management, and breeding. Basic medical facilities will also be available to assist in case of sea accidents.
Home Minister Anitha is confident the centers will be completed by January. She said, “This project shows our commitment to fishermen’s welfare and adapting to market needs. More centers will be built across the district soon.”
This initiative aims to strengthen coastal economies, promote sustainable growth, and build a self-reliant fishing community through better infrastructure and training.