Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan has emphasized the need for integrating value chain improvements and marine sustainability into efforts aimed at increasing fish production during the inauguration of an international workshop on ‘Upgrading Marine Fisheries Value Chain in the Bay of Bengal Region.’ The workshop, co-hosted by the Bay of Bengal Programme – Inter Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) and other key partners, recognizes that merely increasing catch amounts won’t suffice; enhancing the value derived from fish is essential for improving the income of fishing communities.
Key recommendations from the Lieutenant Governor include the establishment of essential infrastructure such as refrigeration facilities, ice plants, modern fish landing centers, and quality certification systems. These measures are vital for increasing value addition and ensuring better price realization for fish products. He reiterated the importance of adopting sustainable fishing practices, which he described as a shared responsibility to protect marine ecosystems.
Puducherry is positioned to become a significant maritime hub, with its coastline and port facilities facilitating a strategic advantage for fish exports—particularly from Karaikal, India’s only harbour-centric production-processing hub on the East Coast. Mr. Kailashnathan highlighted government efforts, in partnership with the Central government, to reform the fisheries sector. Initiatives include the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and the Prime Minister’s Fisheries Development Scheme, which aim to enhance fishing harbors, provide safety equipment, promote deep-sea fishing, and offer financial assistance and training for women self-help groups.
The emphasis on quality is also crucial for competing in international markets, and fisheries products must adhere to global standards. The Lieutenant Governor praised local women fish cooperatives as exemplary models, advocating for increased support in terms of training, credit, and marketing to empower women in the fishing sector. This would not only uplift families but also strengthen the community as a whole.
The workshop gathers input from international experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to formulate a comprehensive strategy for upgrading the marine fisheries value chain. P. Krishnan, Director of BOBP, noted Puducherry’s unique consumer base, which favors non-vegetarian food, further supporting the potential for growth in this industry.
At the conclusion of the workshop, an action plan is anticipated to be presented to the Puducherry government, aiming to transform the fisheries sector into a robust and sustainable part of the local and national economy.
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