KOCHI, 12 January 2026: Kavaratti island has been immersed in a vibrant festive spirit as a three-day Matsya Mela got underway, drawing hundreds of islanders and visitors into a unique celebration of fisheries, culture, and community life. The event showcases Lakshadweep’s deep-rooted maritime heritage blended seamlessly with modern fisheries science and innovation.
The exhibition features a wide array of value-added products from tuna, including ready-to-eat food delicacies and other innovative forms, highlighting the immense potential of sustainable seafood processing. Value-added products from seaweeds, along with traditionally prepared seafood delicacies such as octopus fry, fish jaggery, and different forms of tuna masmin hav among others emerged as major attractions, reflecting both indigenous knowledge and evolving market opportunities.
The event was inaugurated by Dr S B Deepak Kumar, IAS, Advisor to the Administrator of Lakshadweep. B K Behera, Chief Executive of National Fisheries Development Board presided. The event is being organised by KVK Lakshadweep of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.
Advanced fisheries technologies, fishing and farming tools, boat construction techniques, cold storage solutions, and innovations across fish farming, post-harvest management, and sustainable fishing practices are also on display. The mela serves as a knowledge platform covering all aspects of fisheries — from fish and seaweeds to livelihoods and marine ecosystems. The Mela features 72 exhibitors representing the fishing and post-harvest sectors.
Adding colour to the event, cultural and traditional art and music performances are part of the event, showcasing a beautiful blend of Lakshadweep’s tradition and heritage. Hundreds of islanders and people from Kerala and Tamil Nadu visited the event on the opening day, leaving the fest a celebration of island life and community spirit.
In line with the Mela, technical sessions and farmer-scientist interaction programmes are being conducted to promote knowledge sharing and capacity building.
Dr Giri Sankar, IAS, District Collector; Raj Tilak, IFS, Lakshadweep Fisheries Secretary; K Buzar Jamhar, DANICS, Director of Fisheries; Dr Grinson George, Director of CMFRI; Dr V Venkatasubramanian, Director of ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute; Dr George Ninan, Director of ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and Dr P N Ananth, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK Lakshadweep were present during the inauguration of the Mela.
