Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep, 13 December 2025:
In a landmark step towards harnessing the untapped Blue Economy potential of India’s island territories, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD), Government of India, in collaboration with the U.T. Administration of Lakshadweep, successfully organised the first-ever Investors’ Meet on “Investment Opportunities in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Lakshadweep Islands” at Bangaram Island.
The pioneering event witnessed participation from investors across the country, with investment proposals worth approximately ₹519 crore envisaged, marking a significant milestone for fisheries-led development in the Islands.
High-Level Participation Underscores Strategic Importance
The Investors’ Meet was graced by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, along with Ministers of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian, and Shri Praful Patel, Hon’ble Administrator of Lakshadweep.
Senior officials from the Government of India, UT Administration, financial institutions, research bodies, and industry associations also participated, reflecting strong institutional and investor interest.
EEZ Fishery Resources to Be Recognised as “Indian Origin”
Delivering the keynote address, Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced a transformative policy development, stating:
“Fishery resources present in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will now be recognised as Indian Origin, empowering Indian fishers and opening doors to international trade.”
He highlighted that the Government has notified fishing rules for the EEZ, enabling Indian fishers to operate legally through an authorised Access Pass and export high-value products such as tuna to global markets.
The Minister also referred to the issuance of High Seas Fishing Guidelines, granting Indian-flagged vessels legal rights to operate in these waters, and urged investors to seize the vast opportunities available in Lakshadweep for high-value species with strong international demand.
Investors Flag Infrastructure and Value-Chain Needs
An interactive session allowed investors to share insights and challenges, with key concerns highlighted including:
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Transportation of fish produce to the mainland
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Cold storage and ice plant infrastructure
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Chilled fish handling centres for post-harvest management
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Value addition facilities for sashimi-grade tuna
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Fish oil refining capacities
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Skilled manpower requirements
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Ornamental fish brood banks
Investors stressed the need for strategic utilisation of Lakshadweep’s EEZ resources to ensure sustainable and commercially viable growth.
Lakshadweep’s Untapped Potential Highlighted by Ministers
Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, emphasised bridging the gap between Lakshadweep’s current production of 14,000 tonnes and its estimated potential of 1 lakh tonnes. He highlighted the global recognition of pole-and-line and handline tuna fishing, which aligns with clean and sustainable fishing practices.
He noted that with proper branding, certification, and modern value-chain development, Lakshadweep tuna can access premium international markets and urged exporters to leverage government schemes for sectoral growth.
Shri George Kurian, Minister of State, drew attention to emerging opportunities in seaweed farming and ornamental fisheries, citing Lakshadweep’s lagoons as ideal for cultivation and global aquarium trade prospects. He stressed the importance of deep-sea fishing, value-added seafood products, and harnessing EEZ resources to drive India’s Blue Economy.
Lakshadweep Administration Assures Full Support to Investors
Shri Praful Patel, Administrator of Lakshadweep, reaffirmed commitment to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a Blue Revolution. He invited stakeholders to share inputs for framing Lakshadweep’s first fishing policy and highlighted upcoming initiatives such as:
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Development of Minicoy airport
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Strengthening of cooperative societies
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Policy support for sustainable fisheries
He assured investors of full administrative support and announced plans for a follow-up meeting in New Delhi to fast-track implementation.
Policy, Traceability and Ease of Doing Business Emphasised
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, GoI, stressed collective action to accelerate fisheries development and highlighted the need for:
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A single-window clearance system
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Traceability frameworks covering fish origin and tracking
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Modernisation of fishing vessels with sustainability safeguards
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Strengthening market linkages through value-chain development
These measures, he noted, would ensure investor confidence and responsible sectoral growth.
Infrastructure Push and Financing Support Outlined
Ms. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (MF), highlighted infrastructure initiatives including fleet modernisation, cold chain strengthening, fishing harbour development, and policy support under welfare schemes. She emphasised empowering cooperatives in collaboration with NCDC through a Whole-of-Government approach.
Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, CEO, NFDB, spoke on cage culture leasing policies, technology-driven seaweed farming, biosecurity, and financing options under FIDF and NCDC, including interest subvention benefits.
Shri Rajthilak S, Secretary (Fisheries), UT of Lakshadweep, noted that pole-and-line fishing is globally recognised as sustainable and shared updates on the development of a Maritime Lease Policy for mariculture investments.
Wide Participation Marks Historic Milestone
The Investors’ Meet brought together 22 key investors, with over 200 participants joining in hybrid mode. The event was attended by representatives from MoFPI, NCDC, MPEDA, NCEL, FSI, CIFT, CMFRI, NFDB, Invest India, EIC, and local fishermen societies.
Conclusion
The first-ever Investors’ Meet in Lakshadweep marks a decisive step in unlocking the Islands’ fisheries and aquaculture potential. With progressive policies, infrastructure focus, traceability frameworks, and strong investor interest, Lakshadweep is poised to emerge as a key hub in India’s sustainable Blue Economy, delivering growth that is inclusive, export-oriented, and environmentally responsible.
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Source: PIB
