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PM Modi Hails Fishermen as Pillars of Atmanirbhar Bharat on Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address, praised India's fishermen as the strong foundation of a self-reliant India, strengthening both their families and the national economy. He highlighted government initiatives like port development, insurance, and technological support aimed at easing their lives and boosting the sector. The PM shared inspiring success stories, including that of Sujata Bhuyan from Odisha, who built a thriving fish farming business, and Havva Gulzar from Lakshadweep, who expanded with a cold storage unit. He commended the innovative spirit within the fisheries and seaweed cultivation fields, which is fostering self-reliance across the country.

Key Points: PM Modi Calls Fishermen Foundation of Self-Reliant India

  • PM hails fishermen as economic warriors
  • Govt support via ports, insurance & tech
  • Inspiring story of Sujata Bhuyan from Odisha
  • Success of Havva Gulzar from Lakshadweep
  • Innovations enriching fisheries sector
3 min read

PM Modi calls firshermen 'strong foundation' of Atmanirbhar Bharat

PM Modi praises fishermen as economic warriors, highlights govt support & shares inspiring success stories from Odisha & Lakshadweep on Mann Ki Baat.

"Our fishermen brothers and sisters are not just warriors of the sea; they are also a strong foundation of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, March 29

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called the fishermen a "strong foundation of an Atmanirbhar Bharat", who continue to strengthen the country's economy and mentioned how efforts are being made to further enhance the fisheries sector.

Speaking during the 132nd episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi said, "Our fishermen brothers and sisters are not just warriors of the sea; they are also a strong foundation of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Battling the waves of the sea even before dawn, they set out to strengthen their families and the country's economy."

Highlighting government efforts, he said that the lives of the fishermen are being made easier through port development, insurance -- many such initiatives, he said, are proving "extremely helpful".

The Prime Minister said that since the weather patterns greatly impact their activities at sea, they are being "fully supported" through technology.

"I am extremely happy that such efforts are not only enriching our fisheries sector, but also instilling the spirit to innovate. Today, ever-new innovations are taking place in the fields of fisheries and seaweed, and our fishermen are becoming self-reliant," he said.

Prime Minister Modi shared the inspiring story of Sujata Bhuyan from Sambalpur, Odisha. As a homemaker, she wanted to contribute more to her family. A few years ago, she decided to start fish farming in the Hirakud reservoir.

"The early days were not easy for her. Numerous challenges, such as weather changes, arranging food for the fish and balancing household responsibilities were there, but her spirit remained unwavering. Within just two or three years, she transformed her endeavour into a thriving business. Today, her success has become a new ray of hope for the women of the community," he said.

Mentioning Havva Gulzar of Minicoy in Lakshadweep, the Prime Minister said that her story brings to the fore the "incredible determination of our mothers and sisters".

He mentioned that she previously operated a fish processing unit, but she believed she could improve her business with a proper cold storage facility. He said that consequently, she decided to establish a cold storage unit, which has now become her strength, and today, she is able to conduct business with more effective planning.

"Such efforts are being undertaken everywhere in the country, which are inspiring. Shivling Satappa Huddar of Belagavi chose a path different from traditional farming. For this, he created a pond farm," he said.

"He also received training for this business. Now, he is earning a good income by selling fish from his pond. Whereas, looking at the demand for seaweed, many people have also adopted seaweed cultivation," he added.

"I once again commend all those associated with the fisheries sector. Their efforts to strengthen our economy are highly commendable," PM Modi added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's great to hear about the support through technology and insurance. My cousin is a fisherman in Kerala, and the uncertainty of weather and income is a constant worry. If these initiatives reach the ground level effectively, it can be a game-changer for their lives and safety.
R
Rohit P
Recognition is good, but action is better. Fishermen in my coastal town still face issues with middlemen who eat up most of the profit. Hope the 'Atmanirbhar' push includes better market access and fair pricing for them directly. The stories are motivating, but the system needs fixing.
P
Priya S
The story of Sujata Didi from Odisha is so powerful! It shows how women in rural areas are breaking barriers and becoming entrepreneurs. Fish farming and seaweed cultivation are smart, sustainable avenues. More power to all our fisherfolk! 💪
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Vikram M
A strong fisheries sector is crucial for food security and coastal economy. Glad to see it getting attention. However, we must also balance this with protecting marine ecosystems. Overfishing is a real concern. Development should be sustainable for the long term.
K
Kavya N
Mann Ki Baat always highlights such grassroots stories. It connects us to the real India beyond cities. My respect for our fishermen has multiplied. They brave the seas every day. Hope the cold storage and port development benefits reach every corner, including islands like Lakshadweep.

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