In Bhubaneswar, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan launched the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission, which marks the national rollout of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) aimed at promoting sustainable fishing in the open seas.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), was attended by notable figures including Governor Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with representatives from the fishing community and Fisheries Producer Organisations (FFPOs) from various states.

During the event, the Vice President provided LoAs to fishermen, granting them the legal permission to operate deep-sea fishing vessels up to 370 kilometres from the shore. He pointed out that this mission is in line with the Odisha Vision 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047 initiatives, which focus on enhancing India’s Blue Economy.

The mission encompasses the deployment of modern deep-sea fishing vessels, integration of advanced technology, and the establishment of marine hubs in Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur. Officials noted that these hubs are expected to enhance coastal livelihoods while ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources.

Chief Minister Majhi characterized the initiative as a significant advancement for Odisha’s fishing sector, emphasizing its potential to equip fishermen with contemporary skills, increase their earnings, and foster long-term growth in the fisheries industry.

The Vice President commended Odisha’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and called for a collective effort to protect marine ecosystems while improving productivity.