India’s island archipelago of Lakshadweep has unveiled a new roadmap to scale up its commercial fisheries and mariculture, targeting investment, technology adoption and long-term sustainable fishing growth.
The programme will particularly focus on strengthening tuna and seaweed value chains, ornamental fisheries and marine cage farming, while creating new livelihoods for island youth and women.
“Investments in fisheries infrastructure and value chains will enhance production and export potential supporting the overall socio-economic development of Lakshadweep’s coastal communities,” said Shri Raj Thilak, Fisheries Secretary, IFS.
“Special emphasis is being laid on adopting advanced technologies and promoting private participation to unlock the islands’ vast blue economy potential.”
Strategic location
The strategy was outlined during the Matsya Mela in Kavaratti,was organised by the Lakshadweep Krishi Vigyan Kendra of ICAR-CMFRI with the Lakshadweep Fisheries Department.
Experts at the meet highlighted strong prospects for value-added tuna products, seaweed-based nutraceuticals and functional foods and ornamental fish farming, citing Lakshadweep’s pristine waters, marine biodiversity and strategic location.
A scientific report presented during the session noted that, despite an estimated fisheries potential of nearly one lakh tonnes, current production remains at around 20,000 tonnes, underlining the scope for sustainable mariculture expansion.
Marine cage farming of high-value species such as cobia, pompano, seabass, groupers and snappers was promoted as a scalable, eco-friendly solution.
The adoption of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), combining finfish with seaweeds and shellfish, was recommended to improve environmental outcomes while enhancing farm profitability.
Discussions also covered the need for hatcheries, feed units, cold-chain infrastructure, processing facilities and branding of “Lakshadweep premium seafood products”.
Funding opportunities under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) were highlighted, with previous investor meets securing proposals worth more than ₹500 crore.
