Puducherry aims to revamp its traditional fishing sector into a modern, export-oriented marine industry, as Chief Minister N. Rangasamy unveils a vision to empower fishers to become entrepreneurs and international seafood suppliers. At the International Workshop on Marine Fisheries Value Chain, the Chief Minister highlighted the integration of Central and Union Territory initiatives to revolutionize the fisheries domain. This strategic shift will elevate fishermen from mere catchers and sellers of fish to owners of businesses venturing into global markets.
The Chief Minister emphasized the potential of Puducherry’s seafood, renowned for its flavor and nutritional value, in meeting the escalating demands of both local and international markets. Initiatives such as the Integrated Port Development Scheme and the Fisheries Processing Cluster are set to play a pivotal role in this transformation, fostering a new era of economic opportunities for the fishing community. The workshop, a collaborative effort by various organizations including BOBP-IGO, FAO, and National Fisheries Development Board, focused on enhancing value addition, technological advancements in processing, and establishing robust market connections.
Puducherry’s ambition to emerge as a prominent marine export hub was underscored through a comprehensive roadmap presented during the event. Dr. P. Krishnan, Director of BOBP, highlighted Puducherry’s exceptional performance in surpassing national standards, with impressive per-trip yields and a significant proportion of vessels equipped with high-power engines. Despite these achievements, challenges such as inadequate cold chain systems, high ice costs, and infrastructural deficiencies hinder the full potential of the fishing sector.
The roadmap also shed light on welfare issues affecting the fishing community, including insufficient subsidies, limited insurance coverage, and the need for improved safety measures. Recognizing the pivotal role of women in the fisheries sector, the roadmap emphasized the importance of supporting women’s cooperatives to ensure their active participation and empowerment. Fisheries Minister K. Lakshminarayanan highlighted the forum’s significance in generating employment opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of local fishers against multinational seafood corporations. The event also featured insights from FAO official Angela Lentisco and Fisheries Director A. Mohamed Ismail, stressing the importance of sustainable and inclusive growth strategies for the sector.
