Sri Vijaya Puram, July 23: A demand has been raised for the immediate revival of fisheries and aquaculture training programmes across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with a representation submitted to the Chief Secretary seeking regular, structured training for fishermen, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, students and other stakeholders to strengthen livelihoods, skill development and employment opportunities in the sector.
In the representation dated July 22, 2026, it was stated that the Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration had previously organised several training programmes with financial assistance from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, and under the UT Administration Plan Scheme. According to the representation, these initiatives played a significant role in creating awareness and imparting technical knowledge in modern fisheries and aquaculture practices.
The representation noted that the programmes covered a wide range of areas, including cage culture and marine aquaculture, shrimp farming, crab culture and mud crab fattening, seaweed culture, ornamental fish culture, deep-sea fishing and tuna fisheries, fish processing, value addition and seafood entrepreneurship, post-harvest management, cold chain and marketing, modern fishing technology, sustainable fisheries and other emerging fisheries and aquaculture activities suited to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
It further stated that the islands possess considerable potential in marine fisheries, aquaculture, mariculture and seafood-based entrepreneurship. However, fishermen, fish farmers, educated youth, entrepreneurs and other interested stakeholders continue to require technical training, practical exposure and professional guidance before starting or expanding activities in the sector.
The representation has urged the Chief Secretary to direct the Department of Fisheries to restart these training programmes at the earliest and conduct them on a regular basis for fishermen, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, students and other interested stakeholders.
It has also sought practical and residential training programmes across the islands wherever necessary in collaboration with reputed fisheries institutions, the National Fisheries Development Board, ICAR institutes, universities and other expert organisations.
The representation further requested that financial support for the training programmes be provided through the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, or under suitable UT Administration Plan Schemes, with the active support and cooperation of the Andaman and Nicobar Fisheries Cooperative Federation Ltd. (ANIFCOFED).
It also called for greater emphasis on practical training in cage culture, shrimp farming, crab culture, seaweed culture, deep-sea fishing, tuna fisheries, fish processing and value addition. In addition, it sought exposure visits, demonstrations and hands-on training for beneficiaries, particularly fishermen, fish farmers, unemployed youth, women, students and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The representation further proposed the preparation of an annual training calendar to ensure that programmes are conducted regularly in different islands and districts according to local requirements.
It stated that reviving these training programmes would benefit the fishing community, fish farmers, unemployed youth and new entrepreneurs by generating employment and self-employment opportunities, increasing fish production, promoting scientific fisheries practices and strengthening the blue economy of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Seeking early intervention, the representation requested the Chief Secretary to issue necessary directions for the revival and regular conduct of the programmes with financial support from the National Fisheries Development Board or under the UT Administration Plan Scheme, with the cooperation of ANIFCOFED, in the larger interest of fishermen, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, students and other stakeholders across the islands.
