A fisheries initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has brought a new wave of entrepreneurship and innovation to Diglipur, with a locally established fish kiosk emerging as a model for value addition and modern seafood marketing. During a recent visit, the Deputy Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman, Sushant Padha, accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Abhishek Gulia and the Assistant Director (Fisheries), reviewed the kiosk’s operations and other related infrastructure projects in the region.
The fish kiosk at Subhasgram, established by a local beneficiary under the “Post-Harvest and Cold Chain Infrastructure” sub-component of PMMSY, has demonstrated how government support combined with digital platforms can transform small-scale fisheries into viable, tech-driven enterprises. The beneficiary explained that he availed of the admissible subsidy under the scheme to set up the kiosk, which now operates through both physical and online channels including WhatsApp and food delivery apps. This hybrid model has expanded customer reach, ensuring the timely delivery of fresh and processed fish products across the local market.
A key feature of the venture is its focus on value addition, particularly the processing of locally available prawns from Diglipur. The beneficiary shared that the prawns are cleaned, frozen, vacuum-packed, and supplied directly to customers, resulting in better product longevity and enhanced income. The initiative not only meets local demand but also introduces a sustainable business model that can be replicated by other fish farmers and entrepreneurs across the islands.
The Deputy Commissioner commended the entrepreneurial effort and noted that the project illustrates how government schemes can drive meaningful socio-economic impact when coupled with innovation and digital marketing. He emphasized that the integration of cold chain infrastructure and modern packaging has the potential to reduce post-harvest losses while improving income stability for fishers.
During the visit, the team also inspected a non-operational ice plant owned by local entrepreneur Binod Hawalader. The owner informed officials that the plant had ceased operations due to high electricity tariffs, making the venture economically unviable. He appealed for the introduction of subsidized electricity rates for such agro-based enterprises, suggesting that aligning power tariffs with agricultural subsidy structures could prevent similar units from closing. The issue underscored the challenges small entrepreneurs face in balancing operational costs with production sustainability.
Officials acknowledged the concern and noted that energy affordability remains an important factor in ensuring long-term success for fisheries infrastructure. Encouraging dialogue between stakeholders and policy-makers on energy and subsidy frameworks, they remarked, would help maintain momentum for fisheries development in remote regions like Diglipur.
The PMMSY scheme, launched to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture across India, provides multifaceted support ranging from infrastructure creation and capacity building to innovation and value addition. In Diglipur, the Fisheries Department’s proactive implementation has not only improved post-harvest management but also expanded livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
The successful operation of the fish kiosk represents a significant step toward integrating local fishers into broader supply chains. The model shows how entrepreneurship, when supported by government incentives and digital outreach, can convert small fisheries into efficient and customer-centric ventures. The use of online ordering and delivery networks in particular has allowed the beneficiary to reach urban markets while maintaining quality assurance through cold storage and packaging technology.
Officials further observed that such ventures align with the broader national goals of “Blue Economy” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” emphasizing the potential of fisheries as both an economic and ecological asset. With its focus on sustainability, innovation, and local empowerment, the Diglipur initiative stands as an example of how PMMSY can turn grassroots fisheries into modern enterprises that strengthen community resilience and contribute to regional development.
As the department continues to expand the reach of PMMSY across North and Middle Andaman, projects like the Subhasgram kiosk are expected to inspire more island-based entrepreneurs to invest in fisheries, adopt value addition, and leverage digital tools for market expansion.
