Latest news with #K.Atchannaidu
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Atchannaidu launches artificial reefs to boost fish production
Minister for Agriculture, Marketing and Fisheries K. Atchannaidu on Monday (May 19) flagged off the sinking of 'artificial reefs' to the seabed near Jalari Yendada in the city. Speaking on the occasion, he said these reefs would contribute to the growth of fish stock apart from promoting marine biodiversity, thereby improving the livelihood of fisherfolk. A total of 22 units of artificial reefs were being installed in North Andhra in the first phase. They would be placed off the coast of other districts in the State in a phases. He explained that 634 transponders were fixed on mechanised boats operating from the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour, with 100% subsidy, under the Pradhan Manthri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The transponders would help in tracking the location of mechanised boats at sea, and would be useful to the fisherfolk during cyclones and other natural calamities. Measures would be taken to provide GPS, echosounder, boat engines, nets and ropes on subsidy to fisherfolk in the future. Steps would also be taken to clear pending diesel oil subsidy and ex gratia payments. Representatives of mechanised boat associations brought their problems to the notice of the Minister. Later, Mr. Atchannaidu went on a boat to see the seaweed culture and cage culture units set up under PMMSY near RK Beach. Special Chief Secretary B. Rajasekhar, Fisheries Commissioner Rama Sankar Naik, Joint Director of Fisheries, Visakhapatnam, P. Lakshmana Rao, head of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Regional Centre Joe K. Kizhakudan, fishermen association leaders P.C. Appa Rao, M. Lakshmana Rao, Narasinga Rao, Balaji and Ch. Veeranna were among those who were present.
The Hindu
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Fishermen families expect more incentives from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister during his tour to Srikakulam district on April 26
Thousands of fishermen families have been eagerly waiting for the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's scheduled tour to Budagatlapalem of Etcherla mandal of Srikakulam district with a hope that he would announce many other incentives apart from launching Matsyakara Bharosa, a financial assistance scheme on Saturday (April 26, 2025). Hundreds of fishermen have been migrating to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and other places in search of livelihood due to limited opportunities in Srikakulam which has 180 km long coast line from Pydibhimavaram to Ichchapuram, the border town of Andhra Pradesh. With the skyrocketing cost of boats, nets and diesel rates, many families stopped the fishing activity. With the competition from mechanised boats, changes in the environment, many of them are not able to catch sufficient quantities of fishes even after spending three or four days in the sea. Around 50,000 families which completely depend on fishing activity face difficulties during the fishing holiday period which would be strictly implemented every year for nearly 45 days between April and June months. The previous YSRCP government used to sanction ₹10,000 financial assistance under Matsyakara Bharosa. Now, it was enhanced to ₹20,000. Minister for Agriculture K. Atchannaidu said that around ₹258 crore would be credited to the accounts of eligible families under the scheme during the visit of the Chief Minister. Several fishermen community leaders are expected to meet the Chief Minister and submit a representation on their grievances. A fishermen association leader Suryanarayana hoped that the government would provide alternative livelihood opportunities with the drop in fishing activity with the contamination of water as several pharmaceutical companies were letting polluted water directly into the sea in Pydibhimavaram and other places.
