Lakshadweep Hosts First-Ever Investors’ Meet to Unlock Fisheries and Aquaculture Potential

Lakshadweep has hosted its first-ever investors’ meet focused on unlocking the fisheries and aquaculture potential of the island territory. Organised at Bangaram Island, the event aimed to attract private investment into sustainable marine sectors and strengthen the blue economy. The initiative was led by the Centre in collaboration with the Lakshadweep administration.

Focus on Fisheries and Aquaculture Investment

The investors’ meet, titled “Investment Opportunities in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Lakshadweep Islands,” brought together stakeholders from across the country. According to official estimates, investment proposals worth around ₹519 crore have been envisaged. The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying partnered with the UT administration to organise the event, making it the first such initiative held in the islands.

Key Demands Raised by Investors

During interactive sessions, investors highlighted logistical and infrastructure challenges. These included transportation of fish produce to the mainland, cold storage facilities, ice plants, and chilled fish handling centres for effective post-harvest management. Participants also stressed the need for value-added infrastructure such as sashimi-grade tuna processing units, fish oil refining facilities, skilled manpower, and ornamental fish brood banks to optimally utilise Lakshadweep’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Policy Support and Export Opportunities

Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh stated that the Centre has issued fishing rules for the EEZ, enabling fishermen to operate legally through authorised access passes. This allows the export of high-value tuna and other marine products to international markets. He added that fishery resources from India’s EEZ will now be recognised as of Indian origin under international law, easing exports. The issuance of High Seas Fishing Guidelines further grants Indian-flagged vessels legal fishing rights in these waters.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Lakshadweep’s current fish production is about 14,000 tonnes annually.
• The estimated fisheries potential of the islands is around one lakh tonnes.
• Pole-and-line tuna fishing is recognised globally as a sustainable method.
• India has one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the world.

Emerging Sectors and Future Roadmap

Union ministers highlighted opportunities in seaweed farming, ornamental fisheries, and deep-sea fishing as high-return sectors. The administration reaffirmed support for investors, linking fisheries growth with upcoming infrastructure such as the Minicoy airport. Stakeholders were urged to contribute inputs for framing Lakshadweep’s first fishing policy, with a follow-up investors’ meet planned in Delhi.