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Puducherry Fishers to Become Global Export Entrepreneurs in Blue Economy Push

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy has announced an ambitious plan to transform the traditional fishing community into entrepreneurs and global seafood exporters. The strategy involves leveraging central and union territory schemes to overhaul the fisheries sector with a focus on value addition and processing. A roadmap presented at an international workshop aims to develop Puducherry into a high-value marine export hub, despite challenges like weak cold chains and infrastructure gaps. The initiative also emphasizes greater support for fisherwomen and improving welfare measures like insurance and safety equipment.

Key Points: Puducherry CM Plans to Transform Fishers into Export Entrepreneurs

  • Transform fishers into entrepreneurs
  • Develop high-value marine export hub
  • Address cold chain and infrastructure gaps
  • Enhance welfare and support for women
2 min read

Blue Economy push: Puducherry CM says fishers will become global export entrepreneurs

Puducherry CM N. Rangasamy outlines a plan to reposition fishers as global seafood exporters through value addition and infrastructure development.

"Fishermen will no longer be confined to merely catching and selling fish. They will become business owners and international exporters. - Chief Minister N. Rangasamy"

Puducherry, Feb 13

Puducherry is set to reposition its traditional fishing community at the heart of a modern, export-driven marine economy, with Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Friday outlining an ambitious plan to transform fishers into entrepreneurs and global seafood exporters.

Addressing the valedictory session of the two-day International Workshop on Marine Fisheries Value Chain in the Bay of Bengal Region with Puducherry as the destination, the Chief Minister said a combination of Central and Union Territory schemes would fundamentally change the way the fisheries sector operates.

"Fishermen will no longer be confined to merely catching and selling fish. They will become business owners and international exporters," Rangasamy said, pointing to initiatives such as the Integrated Port Development Scheme and the Fisheries Processing Cluster.

He added that Puducherry's seafood, known for its taste and nutritional quality, has strong demand in both domestic and overseas markets.

The workshop, jointly organised by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) and the Government of Puducherry in association with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, National Fisheries Development Board and Environmental Defence India Foundation, focused on value addition, processing technology and market linkages.

A comprehensive roadmap to develop Puducherry into a high-value marine export hub was also presented to the Chief Minister.

BOBP Director Dr P. Krishnan said Puducherry already outperforms national benchmarks, with an average per-trip yield of 6,095 kg-more than double the national average-and over half its vessels equipped with engines above 140 HP.

However, he noted that nearly 43 per cent of the fish catch leaves the Union Territory without value addition due to weak cold chain systems, high ice costs and infrastructure gaps.

The roadmap flagged welfare concerns too, including low subsidies compared to actual costs, inadequate insurance coverage, limited ban-season compensation and poor safety equipment.

It also called for greater support to women, noting that 24 fisherwomen cooperative societies with over 15,000 members are already active.

Fisheries Minister K. Lakshminarayanan described the forum as a platform that would create new employment opportunities and help local fishers compete with multinational seafood firms.

FAO official Angela Lentisco and Fisheries Director A. Mohamed Ismail also addressed the gathering, emphasising sustainable and inclusive growth for the sector.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Sounds promising but I've heard such announcements before. The roadmap itself points out the real issues - weak cold chain, high ice costs, poor safety. Let's see the actual budget allocation and implementation. First, ensure our fishermen have life jackets and proper insurance.
A
Arjun K
Great to see Puducherry leading in per-trip yield! Doubling the national average is no small feat. If they can plug the value-addition gap (that 43% figure is shocking), this can be a model for other coastal states. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves seafood, I'm excited! Puducherry's fish is delicious. If this means better quality, sustainable practices, and more export-grade products reaching our local markets too, it's a win-win. Hope the "inclusive growth" includes environmental protection for the Bay of Bengal.
K
Karthik V
Transforming fishermen into entrepreneurs is the need of the hour. But they need training in business, finance, and export procedures. Just giving them schemes isn't enough. Partner with business schools for workshops. The 15,000 women in cooperatives are a huge asset—build on that.
M
Michael C
A very comprehensive plan with involvement from FAO and UN. The international workshop shows serious intent. The key challenge will be competing with large multinational firms as the Minister said. Hope the support is substantial enough to let local businesses thrive.

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