NITI Aayog, the Kerala government, and ICAR-CMFRI collaborated to host the 'Harnessing Potential of Fisheries in Marine States' workshop on January 5, 2024, with the goal of utilizing the vast potential of marine fisheries in India. The one-day event held in Kochi brought together key stakeholders, including central and state government representatives, researchers, industry experts, and practitioners. This workshop, an integral part of the State Support Mission, aimed to address critical aspects related to the sustainability, market linkages, and on-ground challenges of India's expansive marine fisheries sector.
During the event, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman Bery, highlighted the pivotal role of technology in driving the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' He emphasized the need for collaboration between NITI Aayog and state governments to achieve the ambitious goals set for 2047.
Recognizing Achievements
Member of NITI Aayog, Prof. Ramesh Chand, commended Andhra Pradesh's achievements in the fisheries sector. He underscored the importance of addressing regional disparities in production and productivity within the marine fisheries domain.
Tackling Challenges: Four Technical Sessions
The workshop featured four technical sessions, each focusing on pressing issues within the marine fishing industry. Discussions covered sustainability practices, export competitiveness, infrastructure gaps, and livelihood challenges faced by coastal states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Odisha.
Scaling Best Practices: Coastal States Share Insights
Coastal states took the opportunity to share their best practices, offering insights that can be scaled up to benefit the entire industry. The workshop also delved into certification and sustainability in the marine sector, highlighting existing policy gaps and potential initiatives.
Expected Outcomes of Workshop
The workshop aimed to identify key issues and gaps hindering the progress of the marine fisheries sector. The expected outcomes include recommendations for addressing sustainability, marketing, and technological challenges. Strategies for upgrading safety and infrastructure, along with enhancing stakeholders' synergy, were also part of the agenda.
The multifaceted contributions of fisheries extend beyond providing a source of nutrition; they significantly impact employment, income generation, and cultural identity.
