Union Minister of State for I and B, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and dairying L Murugan on Sunday said India was the fourth largest marine products exporting nation in the world, constituting about 17-18 per cent from India. Addressing the concluding ceremony of ‘VanijyaSaptah-Trade and Commerce Week’ here, he said to boost the marine sector, the Union Government haslaunched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at an estimated investment of Rs 20,050 crores. The scheme envisages enhancing fisheries exports to Rs one lakh crores by 2024-25 from Rs 46,662 crores, he said and urged the youth and the peopleof Tamil Nadu to make good use of this scheme.The Minister said recognizing the potential in seaweed farming in transforming the lives of coastal communities, SHGs and women, the first Multipurpose Seaweed Park in India was established in Tamil Nadu.Asserting that Tamil Nadu has all the ingredients to be a top export hub,Mr Murugan urged the industry to grab this opportunity, increase the range of the products, diversify the export destination, step up the value ladder and never compromise with the quality of the product.
”The product which is exported, not just carries the name of the brand, but also carries with it the reputation of Tamil Nadu and India is also associated with it”, he added. The Minister said that Reform, Perform and Transform is the new mantra. TheAtmanirbhar Bharat is the vision and Vocal For Local is the action point under the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said following the footsteps of freedom fighter V.O.Chidambaram Pillai, whose 150th birth anniversary is being celebrated, Mr Modi announced Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal For Local during the 75th year of Indian Independence.New sectors are being identified and promoted for their export potential. Local region-specific products, textiles, toys having the flavour of the region, are promoted to find a global market, he said.