India has set an ambitious target of achieving ₹1 lakh crore earnings through the export of fish and fishery products, according to George Kurian, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Last year, the country achieved an impressive total income of ₹63,000 crore through the export of fish and fishery products, highlighting the immense potential of the blue economy , he said after inaugurating AQUAMAP-25, international workshop organised by the National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health (NCAAH) at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) as part of its silver jubilee celebrations.
The Minister emphasised the importance of research that directly benefits the public and called for a shift in Kerala’s fisheries sector from its over-reliance on native fishery resources to the promotion of modern aquaculture practices.
Hibi Eden, MP called for strict regulations to curb the discharge of industrial waste into water bodies and noted the challenges posed by climate change on the fishing community.
M Vijay Gupta, World Food Prize Laureate, and Sunhak Peace Prize Laureate, in his address said that aquaculture is the primary solution to meet the rising global demand for fish fuelled by population growth and rising purchasing power. He highlighted the region’s dominance in global aquaculture, contributing 90 per cent of total production, and its pivotal role in ensuring food security, supporting livelihoods, and driving trade.
Critical constraints
However, he shed light on critical constraints hindering sustainable growth. These include the absence of comprehensive national policies, environmental degradation caused by poorly managed operations, and limited market access for small-scale farmers.
Gupta also called for effective governance and robust policy formulation to promote sustainable aquaculture practices. He emphasised the need for governments to prioritise environmental management by implementing best practices, ensuring market access for aquaculture products, and providing financial aid to farmers. Disease surveillance and management systems must be strengthened to minimize production losses, while support for innovative research and access to advanced technologies is crucial for enhancing resilience in the sector, he said.