Agatti, Aug. 31 -- The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, organised a Fisheries Outreach Programme at Agatti, Lakshadweep, on August 31, 2026, focusing on strengthening FFPOs and fisheries cooperatives and sustainably harnessing tuna, seaweed and ornamental fisheries resources.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan described Lakshadweep as a "priceless maritime asset" and highlighted its 4,200 sq. km lagoon and nearly 4 lakh sq. km Exclusive Economic Zone.
He said the islands have fisheries potential of over 1 lakh tonnes, including about 94,000 tonnes of tuna and tuna-like species.
"Conservation of marine resources and adherence to responsible fishing practices are essential for ensuring long-term prosperity of the fisheries
sector," he said. He also released "Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031".
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh said the programme reflects the government's commitment to Lakshadweep's fishing communities and a roadmap for improving incomes, infrastructure, safety, value addition and market access. "Lakshadweep's vast untapped high value tuna resources" must be sustainably harnessed, he said.
India's fish production rose from 95.7 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, while seafood exports reached Rs 73,890 crore in 2025-26.
Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Prof. S P Singh Baghel, Administrator of Lakshadweep Praful Khoda Patel and Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, also addressed the event.
Baghel highlighted 575 seaweed cultivation units and 19 recreational fishing units; Patel noted 16 Deep Sea Fishing Vessels sanctioned at about Rs 1.2 crore each; and Likhi highlighted opportunities in tuna, deep-sea fishing, mariculture, seaweed and ornamental fisheries.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.