The commencement of Sagar Parikrama Phase-VIII is set to take place today at Thengapattanam Fishing Harbour in Kanyakumari district, where Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, and Minister of State, Dr L Murugan, will jointly inaugurate the event. This particular phase of Sagar Parikrama will encompass an exploration of four coastal districts in Tamil Nadu, namely Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram. 

The Tamil Nadu segment of Sagar Parikrama, commencing today, will entail a journey through four districts over the next three days, concluding on the second of September 2023.

On the last day of the Yatra, the Minister will lay the foundation stone for the Integrated Seaweed Park at Valamavur in Thondi, Ramanathapuram district. A Tamil song on Sagar Parikrama will also be launched.

While embarking on the Sagar Parikrama voyage across four coastal districts of Tamil Nadu,   certificates and sanctions associated with the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), as well as State Schemes, will be distributed to progressive fishermen, specifically those engaged in coastal fishing, fish cultivation, and emerging fishery entrepreneurs. Comprehensive information about the PMMSY initiative, State schemes, e-shram, FIDF, and KCC will be extensively distributed through print and electronic media, videos, and a digital campaign utilizing catchy jingles. This widespread promotion aims to enhance fishermen's awareness and understanding of these schemes and their associated advantages.

District officials and Senior officials from Department of Fisheries, Government of India and from State Government, National Fisheries Development Board, Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India, National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training, Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical & Engineering Training and fishermen will participate in the Sagar Parikrama awareness campaign for three days.