In a move to harness its vast blue economy potential, the Lakshadweep administration is set to unveil a comprehensive plan focusing on boosting entrepreneurship, technological advancements, and substantial investments in fisheries and mariculture sectors. Lakshadweep Fisheries Secretary Raj Thilak, IFS, detailed strategic initiatives during the Matsya Mela event in Kavaratti, emphasizing the strengthening of tuna and seaweed value chains, ornamental fisheries, and marine cage fish farming.
The proposed measures aim to foster the overall growth of the fisheries sector while ensuring the creation of sustainable livelihoods for the island communities. The ongoing Matsya Mela, organized by the Lakshadweep Krishi Vigyan Kendra of the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in collaboration with the Lakshadweep Fisheries Department, serves as a platform for these discussions.
Thilak highlighted the importance of innovation-driven progress and announced plans to promote startups and fisheries-based entrepreneurship, particularly among the youth and women of the islands. He stressed that investments in fisheries infrastructure and value chains would significantly boost production and export capabilities, thereby supporting the socio-economic progress of Lakshadweep’s coastal populations.
Experts and stakeholders at the event underscored the promising opportunities in the tuna value chain and seaweed-based enterprises, leveraging Lakshadweep’s strategic location, pristine waters, and diverse marine life. They identified value-added tuna products, seaweed-derived nutraceuticals, functional foods, and ornamental fish farming as lucrative segments with strong global demand.
