Odisha Cabinet greenlights deep sea fishing mission at a budget of Rs 2,000 crore.

The state government of Odisha has taken a major step towards boosting its marine sector by approving a deep sea fishing mission with a budget of more than Rs 2,000 crore. This ambitious mission aims to establish Odisha as a top exporter of marine products and drive growth in the blue economy. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, highlighting the government's commitment towards the development of the state.

According to Chief Secretary Anu Garg, this mission is a flagship initiative of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department and will tap into the vast potential of offshore fisheries in Odisha. It will not only promote sustainable deep-sea fishing but also modernize marine infrastructure, boost seafood exports, and improve the livelihoods of the fishing community. The estimated cost of implementing this mission over the next decade is Rs 2,295.45 crore and will be carried out in phases through a combination of central schemes, state support, beneficiary participation, institutional finance, and public-private partnerships.

To ensure effective coordination and knowledge sharing, the state will establish a dedicated Blue Economy Hub as the mission's center for innovation and coordination. This project is expected to significantly increase marine fish production, create over 50,000 jobs, and raise Odisha's marine exports to Rs 5,000 crore per year by 2036. The Cabinet also approved the construction of flyovers on the road connecting Jaydev Vihar to Nandankanan in Bhubaneswar at a cost of Rs 579 crore, which is expected to be completed in two years.

In addition to the deep sea fishing mission, the Cabinet also gave the green light to several other important projects. This includes the upgrade of the existing State Data Centre to State Data Centre 2.0 with an investment of Rs 268.44 crore, the construction of two in-stream storage structures across the Tel and Ong rivers, and the provision of mid-day meals to 46.6 lakh secondary school students under the Mukhyamantri Poshan Yojana with a budget of Rs 3,506.99 crore for the next four years. These decisions highlight the state government's efforts towards overall development and improving the lives of its citizens.

In conclusion, the approval of the deep sea fishing mission and other key projects by the Odisha government is a significant step towards achieving sustainable growth and unlocking the state's full potential. It showcases the government's proactive approach towards promoting the blue economy and ensuring the welfare of its people. With these initiatives, Odisha is set to emerge as a leading player in the marine export industry and contribute to the nation's economic growth.