The Andaman & Nicobar Islands made a prominent mark at World Aquaculture India 2025, held from November 10–13 at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre, where stakeholders from across the country convened to discuss emerging trends, innovations, and sustainability in India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The event brought together fish farmers, policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives, serving as a national platform to examine strategies for strengthening the blue economy through technology adoption, collaboration, and improved resource utilisation.
The Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration, actively participated in the Fish Farmers Conclave, using the forum to highlight the Islands’ growing role in aquaculture development and share insights from ongoing regional initiatives.
A major moment of recognition came when progressive fish farmer D. Potaiah from Mannarghat was felicitated by the Telangana Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries for his contribution to coastal aquaculture in the Islands. His work in sustainable shrimp farming was acknowledged as a significant step in community-driven aquaculture advancement. Five progressive farmers nominated by the A&N Administration also took part in the conclave.
A parallel session organised by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) featured a presentation from Director of Fisheries Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra on “Marine Product Export Potential of A&N Islands.” Her address highlighted the considerable export opportunities surrounding the Islands’ Tuna resources, with emphasis on value addition, sustainable harvesting, mariculture expansion, and market diversification.
The session included a brainstorming discussion led by MPEDA Chairman D.V. Swamy, focusing on strategies to strengthen the Tuna value chain under the proposed Tuna Cluster initiative. Stakeholders examined gaps in processing, logistics, and market access that must be addressed to enhance export competitiveness.
Across its engagements, the A&N Administration emphasised the importance of promoting innovation, building technical capacity, and strengthening value chains to support the Islands’ long-term aquaculture growth. Officials noted that participation in national-level platforms allows the Islands to deepen institutional partnerships and align with broader policy frameworks aimed at boosting India’s fisheries sector.
The visibility gained by the Islands at World Aquaculture India 2025 reflects the Administration’s continued commitment to empowering fish farmers, encouraging technology-driven aquaculture, and positioning the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as an increasingly significant contributor to India’s expanding blue economy.
