Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has extended strong reassurance to the fishing community, promising to directly aid them in selling and getting the best prices for their catch. Speaking at a public meeting, the Chief Minister stated, “Catching fish is your skill, but creating a global demand and ensuring the best price for your products is my responsibility. I will personally act as your marketing manager.” He emphasized that fish is a protein-rich superfood with immense global demand, and the state government aims to leverage modern technology and diverse revenue streams to transform the livelihoods of fishermen.
The Chief Minister made these remarks during the ‘Matsyakarula Sevalo’ (In Service of Fishermen) program held on Tuesday at Tummala Penta village in the Kavali constituency of Nellore district. During the event, he credited Rs. 261.50 crores directly into the bank accounts of 1,30,796 fishing families as financial relief for the annual 61-day fishing ban period, with each family receiving Rs. 20,000. In a seamless display of governance, as the Chief Minister was delivering his speech, beneficiaries began receiving text messages confirming the cash deposits, sparking widespread celebration among the gathered crowds.
Highlighting infrastructure development and women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister announced several key initiatives for the coastal communities. To safeguard local interests, he promised increased patrolling to prevent boats from neighboring states from entering Andhra waters. He also announced a 60% subsidy on 200 new mechanized boats and the launch of commercial ‘Seaweed Farming’ to provide additional income sources for women through local self-help groups. Furthermore, he committed Rs. 288 crores for the construction of the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbor, alongside the building of metal roads connecting 25 coastal villages, declaring that his government is working at “bullet speed” to bring development to every corner of the state.
