Kochi, 11 March (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the fisherfolk community's pivotal role in India's blue economy while addressing the golden jubilee of Akhila Kerala Dheera Sabha on Wednesday.

PM Modi lauded the organization's 50-year advocacy for fishermen's rights and praised their heroism during Kerala's devastating floods, rescuing stranded people and delivering aid. He congratulated Keralites on the state's renaming to Keralam, fulfilling a long-standing cultural demand.

Previous governments neglected fishermen, but the NDA administration created a dedicated Ministry of Fisheries and mainstreamed the community. Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Kerala receives ₹1,400 crore to boost aquaculture. Satellite tech and 4,500+ transponders now enhance safety at sea, while the National Fisheries Digital Platform streamlines registrations, schemes, and exports for fishermen, traders, and exporters.

PM Modi affirmed these steps ensure prosperity for every Kerala family, fortifying Viksit Bharat's foundation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar