Vikas Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 March 2025
The Fishermen Welfare Association (FWA) of Andaman & Nicobar Islands has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for granting administrative approval for the establishment of a Wholesale-Cum-Retail Fish Market at Bhatubasti under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Mr. Rajeev Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), the Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, the Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), and the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the association acknowledged the support extended by the central government.
The project, with a total cost of ₹4.95 crore, has been sanctioned under the non-beneficiary-oriented activities of PMMSY. The formal approval was communicated through a letter (No. J-01012/48/2023-Fy) dated March 17, 2025.
“This modernization of the fish market will significantly boost trade opportunities for small fishermen and fisherwomen, fulfilling their basic requirements and enhancing their livelihoods,” said B. Hema Raju, General Secretary of the Fishermen Welfare Association.
The association extended special thanks to Mr. S.U. Maheswar Rao, Governing Body Member of the National Fisheries Development Board (A&N Islands), for his continued support in ensuring the welfare of the fishing community in the region.
The proposed fish market at Bhatubasti is expected to modernize the existing infrastructure, provide better facilities for fish trading, and contribute to the overall development of the fisheries sector in the islands.