Bhubaneswar, July 8 (IANS) Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan is scheduled to arrive in Bhubaneswar on a one-day visit to Odisha on Thursday, government officials said on Wednesday.
The state government said in a statement that during a programme organised by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar, the Vice-President will formally launch the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission, a flagship initiative of the Odisha government.
Vice-President Radhakrishnan will also distribute authorisation certificates to fishermen for the sustainable utilisation of deep-sea fishery resources.
The fishing activities are generally restricted to within 12 nautical miles (nearly 23 km) from the coastline.
“With the implementation of the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission, fishermen from Odisha will be able to fish within 200 nautical miles (nearly 370 km). In addition, fishermen holding authorisation certificates will be permitted to fish in international waters beyond the 200-nautical-mile limit. This initiative is expected to strengthen the livelihoods of fishermen while opening new avenues for the growth of the blue economy,” the state government said.
The Central government is prioritising on strengthening Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and fisheries cooperative societies.
Extensive steps are also being taken to promote digitisation in the fisheries sector.
During the programme, the Vice-President will distribute authorisation certificates to fishermen, the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), fishing vessel owners and fisheries cooperative societies.
“These certificates will enable eligible Indian fishing vessels to undertake fishing operations in the sea. The initiative is expected to strengthen fisheries producer organisations and cooperative societies. Deep-sea fishing will ensure the creation of greater income opportunities for fishermen. As the entire authorisation process is being carried out online, it will ensure greater transparency, time-bound service delivery and improved administrative efficiency,” the state government added.
It is also said that the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036) is a flagship initiative of the Odisha government, which recently got the State Cabinet’s approval.
It aims to position Odisha as a leading state in deep-sea and international fishing operations while enhancing the state’s marine seafood exports.
The mission will provide support for advanced fishing equipment, operational management and market linkages.
It is expected to increase fish production, generate employment, enhance the incomes of fishermen and boost marine product exports.
According to the state government, the initiative is expected to bring about a significant transformation in Odisha’s marine fisheries sector.
Nearly five lakh fishermen living along the state’s 575-km-long coastline depend on the Bay of Bengal for their livelihoods.
During the 2024–25 financial year, Odisha recorded marine fish production of around 2.4 lakh metric tonnes.
Apart from Vice-President Radhakrishnan, the programme will be attended by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries.
–IANS
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