KOCHI, 12 January 2026: In a major transformation in its fisheries and mariculture sector, the Lakshadweep administration is set to roll out strategic measures to promote entrepreneurship, ensure technological advancement and attract investments aimed at holistic development of the Fisheries sector in Lakshadweep
Addressing stakeholders on the sideline of the ongoing Matsya Mela in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep Fisheries Secretary Shri. Raj Thilak, IFS outlined key initiatives focused on strengthening tuna and seaweed value chain, ornamental fisheries, and marine cage fish farming.
The Matsya Mela is being organised by the Lakshadweep Krishi Vigyan Kendra of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in association with the Lakshadweep Fisheries Department.
Emphasising innovation-led growth, he said targeted efforts would be made to boost startups and fisheries-based entrepreneurship, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities 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. Special emphasis is being laid on adopting advanced technologies and promoting private participation to unlock the islands’ vast blue economy potential”, Raj Thilak said.
Experts and stakeholders identified enormous prospects in tuna value chain and seaweed-based enterprises, noting Lakshadweep’s strategic location, pristine waters and rich marine biodiversity. Value-added tuna products, seaweed-derived nutraceuticals and functional foods, and ornamental fish farming were flagged as high-growth segments with strong global market demand.
Earlier, a scientific report presented at the technical session highlighted that despite an estimated fisheries potential of nearly one lakh tonnes in the Island, current production remains around 20,000 tonnes, leaving a substantial untapped opportunity for sustainable mariculture development.
Marine cage farming, involving the cultivation of high-value species such as cobia, pompano, seabass, groupers and snappers in open seas and lagoons, was highlighted as a scalable and eco-friendly technology. The adoption of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)—combining finfish with seaweeds and shellfish—was recommended to improve environmental sustainability while enhancing farm profitability.
The discussions also highlighted opportunities for establishing hatcheries, feed manufacturing units, cold-chain facilities, processing and branding of “Lakshadweep premium seafood products”, along with export logistics through mainland hubs.
The meet identified the funding support through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). A need assessment was conducted during the session to identify the schemes under the PMMSY 2.0. In an Investors’ Meet held in Lakshadweep in December last year, investment proposals worth over ₹500 crore had been secured.
