Will the Govt's Investors' Meet in Lakshadweep Boost Tuna and Seaweed Exports?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Investors and Exporters Meet in Lakshadweep planned for November.
- Focus on enhancing investments in tuna and seaweed fisheries.
- Emphasis on eco-friendly fishing practices.
- Potential boost to local and national economies.
- Alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat vision for self-reliance.
New Delhi, Sep 21 (NationPress) - The Union Minister for Fisheries, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, announced that an Investors and Exporters Meet will take place in November in Lakshadweep aimed at enhancing investment and exports within the sectors of tuna fisheries, seaweed cultivation, and ornamental fisheries.
During a meeting in Kochi, the minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive development of the tuna value chain and the initiation of entrepreneurial programs in seaweed and ornamental fisheries.
Additionally, he advocated for the creation of certification and traceability systems to guarantee that exports are environmentally sustainable, according to an official statement.
Singh highlighted Lakshadweep's advantageous location, which comprises nearly 20% of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, providing access to significant deep-sea resources, particularly high-value tuna.
He also pointed out the island's worldwide recognized eco-friendly pole-and-line and handline tuna fishing methods.
The minister expressed that an increase in fish catch would significantly enhance Lakshadweep's economy, contributing positively to the national economic growth and aligning with the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India by 2047.
A joint working group is set to be established between the Indian government and the Lakshadweep administration to accelerate pending initiatives, he added.
Moreover, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, George Kurian, stressed that fisheries is India’s second fastest-growing sector after IT and requires more policy focus. He called for the fisheries sector to align with the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, and Swadeshi to fortify India’s self-reliance.
He underlined the necessity for enhanced investments in modern infrastructure, cold chain systems, and value-added processing to empower local fishers.
The Administrator of Lakshadweep, Praful Patel, underscored the importance of training and awareness regarding vessel technology and fish processing, alongside a structured outreach strategy for departmental schemes to ensure broader stakeholder participation.