The National Fisheries Development Board and Invest India have collaboratively organized industry-focused roundtable meetings.
These meetings were presided over by the Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying at the NFDB in Hyderabad.
Prominent production and processing companies were in attendance at the roundtable, along with industry associations and autonomous organizations involved in the value chain.
The interaction prompted a discussion on the future planning for participating companies, industry-specific issues, and areas needing support.
The Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board introduced the session, detailing various programs the Government of India has initiated.
These include the Blue Revolution, FIDF, and PMMSY, among others, all aimed at enhancing production capacity in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The goal is to stimulate production within these industries.
In the introductory speech, the Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries stressed on the crucial role of the production vertical in assuring product quality, quantity, and diversification in domestic and international aqua markets.
He further reiterated the need for a strong processing ecosystem that is reinforced by all stakeholders from capturing the catch to delivering to the consumer to create a structured market in the fisheries and aquaculture division.
In the roundtable discussion, the enrolled companies voiced their ideas on elevating the value chain in fisheries, implementing traceability, fortifying export markets, and devising strategies to boost domestic consumption.
In the concluding speech, the Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries expressed gratitude to the business and industry representatives for their active participation in sharing insights and identifying investment opportunities in the fisheries and aquaculture division.
It is noteworthy that the role of fisheries and aquaculture in enhancing global food safety, promoting good health, and generating employment are gaining recognition.
Witnessing a remarkable rise in production and export over the years, the Indian fisheries sector echoes the unrelenting efforts of all stakeholders along the supply chain.
The Indian Government, aware of the multitude of opportunities existing within this sector, has launched various developments for its all-round growth.
It is commendable that the Department of Fisheries aims to revolutionize Indian fisheries and aquaculture, emphasizing an environment conducive to burgeoning entrepreneurship and easing business operations in this vital sector.
For this, A Project Development Cell (PDC) has been established in several sectors, including the Department of Fisheries.
The key goal is to boost investments in India, develop investible projects, resolve issues, and support both investors and investees.
Also, Invest India is providing continuous support to the PDC through a committed team. The PDC members, which include the Department of Fisheries and Invest India, have been engaging with various stakeholders to understand their specific investment plans and issues.
The objective is to foster sector growth and tackle broader issues like increasing the income of fish farmers, generating employment, and enhancing exports.