Union Government will invest Rs 7.5 crore for developing fishermen's villages: Murugan

Udupi: Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan said on Sunday that Rs 7.5 crore will be sanctioned by the union government for developing villages with large number of fishermen.

Speaking at a programme in Malpe, Murugan said that such villages will be identified soon and the funds will also be utilised for the education of fishermen and to promote fishing activities.

“In the next five years, Union Government will invest Rs 725 crore for promoting fisheries activities in the State. The government has granted approval for a fisheries harbour in Hejmady.  The government is also developing five ports in the country that will have infrastructure conducive for fisheries activities, ice plants, hospitals, among others. Sea weed culturing is being promoted across the country in a big way and steps are being taken to identify places in the State where such culturing units can be set up,” he added.

Minister for Fisheries, Ports, Inland Water Transport S. Angara said, ” Spot visits have been undertaken to identify and solve the problems faced by the fishermen. State Government has sent 16 proposals to the Union Government for developing fisheries sector.”

Udupi MLA K. Raghupati Bhat said, ” Fishermen are currently facing a lot of problems. The government should exempt fishing boats from paying cess and reduce taxes on diesel supplied to boats. Also, diesel subsidy must be extended to all fishermen.”

Fisherman Raviraj Suvarna said, ” The government should introduce sea ambulance for fishermen to address their health concerns while they go fishing.”

Fisherwoman Sumithra demanded a suitable spot for selling dry fish in the Malpe Port area.

Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon, chairman of Coastal Development Authority Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, deputy commissioner Kurma Rao M, zilla panchayat chief executive officer Dr Naveen Bhat, president of fisheries marketing federation Yashpal Suvarna and others were present.