Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Saturday announced that an Investors and Exporters Meet will be organised in Lakshadweep in November 2025 to promote investment and exports in tuna, seaweed, and ornamental fisheries. The announcement was made during a high-level consultation on the development of the fisheries sector in the islands, held in Kochi.
Speaking at the meeting, Singh highlighted Lakshadweep’s strategic importance, noting that the Union Territory commands nearly 20% of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and offers access to deep-sea resources, particularly high-value tuna. He said that sustainable fishing practices in Lakshadweep, including pole-and-line and handline tuna fishing, are globally recognized for being eco-friendly and bycatch-free. “If fish catch increases, the economy of Lakshadweep develops, and in turn, the economy of the country grows. This will help realise the Prime Minister’s dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he added.
Singh also stressed the need to develop the tuna value chain, promote entrepreneurship in seaweed and ornamental fisheries, and empower Fishermen Producer Organizations. He announced plans for certification and traceability to support sustainable tuna exports and called for a joint working group between the Government of India and the Lakshadweep Administration to resolve pending proposals and technical requirements.
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, George Kurian, highlighted the fisheries sector as the second fastest-growing sector in India after IT and called for greater policy focus. He also lauded the work of CMFRI and KVK Lakshadweep in ornamental fisheries and emphasised investment in modern infrastructure, cold chains, and value-added processing.
Administrator of Lakshadweep, Praful Patel, spoke about developmental initiatives in the islands, including desalination plants, smart classrooms, hospitals, and airports. He stressed the need for training, awareness on vessel technology, and cold storage facilities to improve fish processing and value addition.
Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, pointed to support under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna and highlighted plans for offshore seaweed clusters and integrated harbours. Rajthilak S, Secretary (Fisheries), UT of Lakshadweep, spoke about strengthening the tuna value chain, artificial reefs, and deep-sea fishing initiatives to reduce post-harvest losses.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Lakshadweep Administration, multiple Union Ministries, NITI Aayog, ICAR, MPEDA, NABARD, and other key stakeholders, aiming to position Lakshadweep as a hub for sustainable fisheries and exports.
