Development of Tuna Cluster in Andaman and Nicobar Islands Under PMMSY
The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, has announced a strategic development initiative for establishing a tuna fisheries cluster in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This initiative, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), aims to harness the region’s significant potential in tuna fishing and related marine industries.
Potential of Andaman and Nicobar as a Fisheries Hub
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands possess a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spanning approximately 6 lakh square kilometers. This region is abundant in underutilized marine resources, with high-value species like tuna estimated at around 60,000 metric tons. The islands’ geographical advantage, with proximity to Southeast Asia, provides strategic access to sea and air trade routes, enabling efficient export of marine products. Additionally, the clear, unpolluted waters support sustainable fishing practices, making it an ideal location for responsible fisheries development.
The notification of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a tuna cluster is anticipated to boost economic growth through economies of scale, fostering higher incomes and structured development in the Indian fisheries sector. This includes critical investments and initiatives such as:
- Investor Engagements: Organizing meetings with potential investors and stakeholders, including partnerships with countries skilled in tuna fishing.
- Training Programs: Implementing training and capacity-building for local fishers and other stakeholders.
- Infrastructure Development: Enhancing facilities for fish landing, processing, and streamlined export logistics to bolster India’s global market position.
Background of India’s Fisheries Sector
The fisheries sector plays a vital role in India’s economy, contributing to national income, exports, and food security, particularly in rural areas. Over the last decade, the Government of India has made substantial investments in the sector. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and the Blue Revolution have collectively mobilized ₹38,572 crores since 2015, transforming fisheries into a pivotal growth engine for the country.
To maintain this momentum, the Department of Fisheries is adopting a production and processing cluster approach for fisheries and aquaculture. This approach links enterprises of all sizes—from micro to large—across the value chain, from production to export. By doing so, the cluster model enhances competitiveness, reduces costs, promotes innovation, and creates livelihoods while advancing sustainable practices.
Strategic Focus on Cluster Development in Fisheries
The Department of Fisheries has identified several critical areas for fisheries cluster development across India. These include:
- Key Fisheries: Clusters for Pearl, Seaweed, and Ornamental Fisheries.
- Reservoir and Harbour Fisheries: Dedicated clusters for reservoir fisheries and fishing harbors.
- Specialized Aquaculture: Clusters for saline water aquaculture, cold-water fisheries, sea cage culture, freshwater and brackish-water fisheries, and oceanic fisheries.
- Regional Opportunities: Strategic locations are being identified in collaboration with State Governments and Union Territories based on fish culture, production, export trends, number of fishing boats, and existing infrastructure.
Currently, the Department of Fisheries has identified priority development locations, including Hazaribagh District in Jharkhand for pearl culture, Madurai District in Tamil Nadu for ornamental fisheries, and Lakshadweep Union Territory for seaweed.
This comprehensive approach under PMMSY is expected to significantly elevate India’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors by fostering regional opportunities, improving export capabilities, and strengthening rural economies.
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