Puducherry, Feb 12 (NationPress) - On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan expressed that the union territory possesses the potential to transform into a significant marine export gateway for India and to develop into a premier marine economy, contingent upon enhancing value addition and modernizing fisheries infrastructure.

During the inauguration of a two-day international workshop titled 'Marine Fisheries Value Chain in the Bay of Bengal Region: Puducherry as Destination', he underscored the strategic advantages of the UT, including its coastline, port connectivity, skilled workforce, and expanding processing ecosystem.

“Karaikal, being the sole harbour-centric production and processing hub along India’s East Coast, positions Puducherry favorably to become a vital export gateway, especially considering that nearly 97% of the nation's exports are transported via ports,” he noted.

The workshop is collaboratively organized by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) and the Government of Puducherry, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, and the National Fisheries Development Board, among others.

Highlighting the importance of income security for fishers, the Lieutenant Governor stated that merely increasing fish catch does not guarantee prosperity.

“To elevate the income of the fishing community, the value derived from each kilogram of fish must be enhanced,” he emphasized.

He stressed the necessity for modern cold chain systems, ice plants, upgraded fish landing centers, certification mechanisms, and export-oriented infrastructure to ensure improved price realization in both domestic and global markets.

Kailashnathan added that the Puducherry government, in partnership with the Centre, is implementing reforms through initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which emphasizes harbour development, safety equipment, fishermen’s insurance, GPS assistance, deep-sea fishing promotion, and training for women’s self-help groups.

He praised the strength of community, describing Puducherry’s women fish cooperatives as a national model.

Women are integral to fish drying, processing, and the creation of value-added products, and require enhanced access to credit, skill training, and market connections, he stated.

The workshop convenes international experts, policymakers, researchers, cooperatives, and industry leaders to devise a comprehensive strategy for advancing the marine fisheries value chain throughout the Bay of Bengal region.