Fisheries to be boosted by Vizag master plan

Recently the Visakhapatnam master plan draft 2041 was proposed by the Government. 

It is observed that The draft master plan-2041 prepared by Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority has proposed seven fishery development nodes in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts in areas like Revupolavaram, Muthyalammapalem, Chinnamangamaripeta, etc.

The VMRDA region has a nearly 250 km coastline dotted with 80 fishing villages, which is 26% of the coast length in Andhra Pradesh.

Fishing is a traditional occupation in the region.

Andhra Pradesh has favorable agro-climatic conditions for the growth of the fisheries and the aquaculture sector.

The state is contributing as much as 29.7% of national fish production.

It is a major exporter of shrimp in India with a share of 40.4% in total value of seafood exports of the country during the 2019-20 financial year.

The sector is providing employment to nearly 26.5 lakh people.

Fisheries contribute 7.4% of the gross state domestic product of Andhra Pradesh.

Hence, due importance is being given to conserve and harness this traditional occupation in the region in the VMRDA draft master plan-2041.

Apart from the fishery development nodes, the other prominent suggestions given in the draft plan for this sector are to increase infrastructure facilities, employment-based allied industries, and proposal of new fishing harbors in areas like Etcherla, Kalingapatnam, Bheemili, and Pudimadaka.

The key objectives of the recommendations are to sustain fish production, promote fishermen`s welfare, address critical gaps in the infrastructure for the value chain, and promote domestic fish consumption in the state.

Skill development and creating fishing infrastructure will boost the declining active fishermen.