Bhubaneswar, July 9 (UDN): Vice President of India CP Radhakrishnan today launched the ‘Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission’ in Bhubaneswar, a landmark initiative aimed at expanding fishing opportunities, improving fishermen’s livelihoods, and strengthening the state’s marine fisheries sector.
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The Vice President was accorded a warm welcome at the Biju Patnaik International Airport by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and senior officials of the state and central governments.
Following the welcome ceremony, the Vice President attended the official launch programme held at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) campus. The event was organised by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, where authorization letters were distributed to fishermen, fish entrepreneurs, fishing vessel owners, and fisheries cooperative societies, formally initiating the mission.
The Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission is designed to bring a major transformation in the state’s fisheries sector by enabling authorised fishermen to expand their operations beyond traditional coastal fishing areas. Under the initiative, fishermen will be supported to undertake deep-sea fishing activities up to 370 kilometres from the coastline in designated and permitted areas.
The mission focuses on enhancing income opportunities for fishing communities, promoting sustainable utilisation of marine resources, and encouraging the adoption of modern fishing technologies. It will also provide improved access to infrastructure, training, technical assistance, and institutional support to fishermen and fisheries stakeholders.
Addressing the launch programme, dignitaries highlighted the importance of empowering coastal communities through technology-driven fisheries development and creating new avenues for economic growth in the marine sector.
The event was attended by Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of State SP Singh Baghel, Odisha Fisheries Minister Gokulananda Mallick, and other senior representatives from the state and central governments.
The launch of the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission marks a significant milestone in the development of Odisha’s fisheries sector and reflects the government’s commitment towards empowering fishermen, increasing marine productivity, and strengthening India’s blue economy.
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