A national workshop held in Kochi highlighted the potential for using cutting-edge technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), to tackle challenges in the marine fisheries sector. Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman Bery, stressed the importance of leveraging technology as a key driver of growth in this emerging industry. He emphasized the need for understanding market dynamics to prioritize production strategies.
With the rising demand for fish, innovative approaches to enhance productivity are vital. Experts at the workshop discussed strategies to address the disparities between different states in fish production. Member of NITI Aayog, Ramesh Chand, highlighted the significant gap between Andhra Pradesh and five other states, namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. To meet the increasing demand, all states should explore growth prospects and cultivate partnerships along the coastal areas.
Another key area of focus was value addition and processing innovations. Currently, a substantial portion of India’s unprocessed seafood, including shrimp and tuna, is exported to Vietnam, Thailand, and Tunisia for value addition and re-export. By establishing state-of-the-art processing facilities, India can tap into the untapped potential of seafood value addition, generating greater foreign exchange.
The workshop also emphasized the importance of exploring the unutilized resources of the oceanic and deep-sea regions. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Deputy Director General, J.K. Jena, highlighted the estimated harvestable potential of 2.1 million metric tonnes (MT) in these areas, representing a new frontier for commercial fisheries. Ensuring quality and enhancing the skills of stakeholders are essential in maximizing the opportunities of deep-sea fishing.
The workshop brought together representatives from various state governments, including West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andaman and Nicobar. Policymakers, industry experts, and researchers also participated to exchange insights and ideas. This collaborative effort aims to harness the potential of frontier technologies, foster partnerships, and drive growth in the marine fisheries sector.