Gujarat’s fishing industry has many expectations based on the central and state budget.
Junagadh: The budget of the state and central government for the year 2024-25 is coming in the month of February. The fishing industry of Saurashtra has high expectations from this budget. The fishing industry is the largest source of local employment in the coastal areas of Saurashtra. This coastline from Okha to Diu is generating local employment through fishing industry. In such a situation, in the election year, it is expected that the upcoming budget of the Central and State Government will be very good especially for the fishermen and fish industry.
Many problems: Years ago the fishermen’s season was of 8 to 9 months. Meanwhile, fishermen and industrialists used to earn very good income but now the industry is dying due to the season being limited to two and a half to three months. In comparison to previous years, diesel subsidy given to fishermen has been completely stopped in the last five to seven years. Due to which fishermen and especially boat owners have to make huge investments. On the other hand, just as fishermen in Andhra Pradesh have been given unemployment allowance for 2 months for years, similarly fisherman entrepreneurs are also demanding that some provision should be made in the budget to give unemployment allowance to fishermen in Gujarat.
Gujarat’s fishing industry has a lot of expectations based on the central and state budgets Identification of traditional fishermen: A new definition of fishermen is also being explored to identify traditional fishermen in the next financial budget. Fishing is a profession, not an industry, but some people consider fishing as an industry and get into it. Even if all such non-traditional fishermen are identified and removed from the definition of fishermen, traditional fishermen can still benefit significantly. Moreover, during the last 30 to 40 years, not a single port has been developed in Gujarat. The fishing industry can also get a new lease of life if Mangrole, Veraval, Madhwad, Porbandar, Nawabandar and Sutrapara ports are expanded. Also, the number of boats is increasing 10 times as compared to before, hence the problem of high number of boats can be solved only if ports are developed.
Demand that Pakistan return the boats: The fishing industry is also demanding that the central and state governments should plan to release the fishermen lodged in Pakistani jails in the next financial year and return the boats seized from them by Pakistan to the fishermen as soon as possible . Continued.
Demand for proper foreign policy: A large quantity of fish has been exported from Saurashtra coast to the countries of the world. In which there is a huge demand for Indian fish in America, Russia, China and European countries and especially for the fish of Saurashtra Sea. Due to which a large quantity of fish is exported from Saurashtra, but the international market and especially the markets of China and Europe are currently in recession, due to which industrialists do not give adequate price to the local fishermen while exporting the fish. Are getting. , Exporters are also demanding that the central government should make a special policy regarding this in the next budget.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana has been implemented since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister. Fishermen are waiting for the announcement of special facilities or further expansion of the scheme in the next budget. Apart from this, there has also been a huge increase in the fare while exporting fish from here. Exporters are also demanding that after discussions at the international level, a proposal to reduce this fare should be made in the next budget.
Pakistan captures our fishermen. After punishment, he releases the fishermen but does not return the boats. Thousands of our boats worth billions are rotting in Pakistan. If these bots are provided to us then we can benefit. Also, we will get relief if diesel subsidy starts. ..Tulsi Gohil (President, Boat Association)
After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana was implemented. Fishermen are waiting for the announcement of special facilities or further expansion of the scheme in the next budget. Fares are increasing due to the Red Sea problem. If the central government pays attention to this problem, fishermen can benefit. ..Jagadish Fofundi (Chairman, MPEDA)
