International experts meet in Puducherry to develop marine fisheries value chain
PUDUCHERRY: Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan has said Puducherry has the potential to emerge as a major marine export gateway of the country and to become a model marine economy.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating a high-level two-day international workshop on ‘Marine Fisheries Value Chain in the Bay of Bengal Region: Puducherry as Destination’ on Thursday, he said “Puducherry is emerging as a leading maritime hub through its coastline, port facilities, human resources and skills”.
“Karaikal, the only harbour-centric production-processing hub on India’s East Coast, places Puducherry in a strategic position to become a major export gateway, especially when 97 per cent of India’s exports are routed through ports”, Lt. Governor said.
The global workshop is being organised jointly by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) and Govt. of Puducherry in association with United Nations-Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, National Fisheries Development Board and Environmental Defense India Foundation.
Emphasising the need to strengthen the marine fisheries value chain, Lieutenant Governor said increasing the income of fishers does not merely depend on catching more fish. “If the income of the fishing community is to increase, it is not enough to catch more fish. The value obtained from it must increase,” he said.
“Developing refrigeration facilities, ice plants, modern fish landing centres, quality certification systems and export infrastructure is essential to boost value addition and ensure better price realisation.
Government Initiatives and Infrastructure Push
The Lieutenant Governor said the Puducherry Government, in collaboration with the Centre, is implementing comprehensive reforms in the fisheries sector through schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and other fisheries development initiatives.
Development of fishing harbours, provision of safety equipment, fishermen’s insurance, GPS facilities, promotion of deep-sea fishing, and financial assistance and training for women’s self-help groups are being undertaken on a continuous basis, he said.
He stressed that to compete in international markets, fisheries products must meet global standards.
Highlighting the strength of community institutions, Lt. Governor described women fish cooperatives in Puducherry as a model for the country. “Women are at the forefront of fish drying, processing and making value-added products. They must be supported with training, credit facilities and marketing linkages,” he said, adding that empowering women would strengthen families and society as a whole.
On the occasion, BOBP Director Dr P Krishnan said: “Unlike many regions, Puducherry has a unique, educated and relatively well-off consumer base with a strong preference for non-vegetarian food”.
International experts, policymakers, researchers, fisher cooperatives, women self-help groups, exporters and industry leaders are attending the workshop, which is expected to chart a comprehensive upgrading strategy for the marine fisheries value chain.
