Bhubaneswar, March 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 132nd episode of his Mann Ki Baat radio programme on Sunday, lauded Sujata Bhuyan, a fish farmer of Sambalpur, for becoming a new ray of hope for the women of the community. She was a homemaker, but she wanted to do something new and further help her family. So, a few years ago, she started fish farming in the Hirakud reservoir.

“The early days were not easy for her. Numerous challenges such as weather changes, arranging food for the fish and balancing household responsibilities were there, but her spirit remained unwavering. Within just two or three years, she transformed her endeavour into a thriving business. Today, her success has become a new ray of hope for the women of the community,” said Modi.

“Our fishermen brothers and sisters are not just warriors of the sea; they are also a strong foundation of a self-reliant India. Battling the waves of the sea even before dawn, they set out to strengthen their families and the country's economy. The lives of these hardworking fishermen are being made easier in many ways today. Whether it's port development or insurance for fishermen, many such initiatives are proving extremely helpful. We know that weather patterns greatly impact their activities at sea. Keeping this in mind, they are being fully supported through technology,” said Modi.

The Prime Minister said, “I am extremely happy that such efforts are not only enriching our fisheries sector; it is also instilling the spirit to innovate. Today, ever new innovations are taking place in the fields of fisheries and seaweed, and our fishermen are becoming self-reliant.”