New Delhi: A high-level consultation meeting on the development of the fisheries sector in Lakshadweep Islands, emphasizing Tuna fisheries, Seaweed, and Ornamental fisheries, was held at Kochi on September 20, 2025. The meeting featured key participants including Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, and Shri Praful Patel, Administrator of Lakshadweep.
Announcement of Investors and Exporters Meet
Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced an upcoming Investors and Exporters Meet in Lakshadweep scheduled for November 2025. The event aims to boost investment and promote exports in the sectors of Tuna fisheries, Seaweed, and Ornamental fisheries. He emphasized the link between increased fish catch and economic development in Lakshadweep, which in turn contributes to the national agenda of realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Strategic Importance of Lakshadweep in Fisheries
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted Lakshadweep’s strategic location, commanding nearly 20% of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and its access to rich deep-sea resources, particularly high-value tuna. The Union Minister praised the sustainable fishing methods practiced in the region, such as eco-friendly pole-and-line and handline tuna fishing, globally recognized for minimizing bycatch. He noted the potential for significant expansion in deep-sea fishing activities leveraging Lakshadweep’s geographic advantage.
Development Plans for Fisheries Value Chain
The Minister underscored the need to develop the tuna value chain further and launch entrepreneurship programs dedicated to seaweed and ornamental fisheries. He reinforced the importance of certification and traceability systems to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly exports. A collaborative joint working group between the Government of India and Lakshadweep Administration was proposed to address pending proposals and technical requirements.
Supporting Voices and Regional Development Initiatives
Union Minister of State Shri George Kurian echoed the Prime Minister’s vision of “Samudra Se Samriddhi,” recognizing fisheries as India’s second-fastest-growing sector after IT. He stressed the need for aligning fisheries with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, and Swadeshi initiatives to boost self-reliance. Shri Kurian praised the efforts by CMFRI and KVK Lakshadweep in ornamental fisheries and highlighted the need for advanced infrastructure, cold chain systems, and value-added processing to empower local fishers.
Lakshadweep Administrator Shri Praful Patel outlined the region’s developmental progress amid connectivity challenges, such as implementing desalination plants, smart classrooms, and improvements in healthcare and transportation. He emphasized training on vessel technology, fish processing, and awareness of government schemes. The Administrator reiterated the priority for cold storage facilities and welcomed the idea of an Investors’ Meet to attract private investment in the fisheries sector.
Emphasis on Sustained Growth and Modernization
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, highlighted support through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and emphasized the need to increase production for enhancing global competitiveness. Initiatives such as offshore clusters for seaweed cultivation and development of smart, mechanized harbors were shared.
Shri Rajthilak S, Secretary (Fisheries), UT of Lakshadweep, provided updates on strengthening the tuna value chain, introducing artificial reefs for livebait growth, and increasing livebait availability informed by INCOIS data. He shared expectations for deep-sea fishing expansion and advancements like refrigerated fish water tanks to reduce post-harvest losses.
Conclusion
The consultation meeting brought together diverse stakeholders from the Lakshadweep Administration, central ministries, and agencies including NITI Aayog, MPEDA, ICAR, NCDC, and NABARD. The collaborative initiative aims to position Lakshadweep as a global and sustainable fisheries hub, attracting investments, boosting exports, and supporting local livelihoods through innovative technologies and infrastructure. A collaborative joint working group between the Government of India and Lakshadweep Administration was proposed to address pending proposals and technical requirements.
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Source: PIB
