NewKerala.com

Key Points

India and Iceland are deepening their partnership in fisheries and aquaculture through a recent high-level delegation visit. The collaboration focuses on adopting Iceland's advanced zero-waste models and cutting-edge processing technologies. Both countries explored investment opportunities and business linkages in seafood processing and marine biotechnology. This partnership aims to strengthen India's position as the world's second-largest fish producer through sustainable practices.

Key Points: India Iceland Boost Blue Economy with Fisheries Tech Transfer

  • Delegation discussed zero-waste models with Icelandic seafood companies BRIM and Hampiðjan
  • Focus on technology transfer for fish processing and value addition
  • Explored cooperation in biotechnology and marine resource utilization at MATIS institute
  • Emphasis on training for deep-sea fishing and vessel monitoring systems
2 min read

Icelandic collaboration to further boost India's Blue Economy

India and Iceland strengthen fisheries collaboration through zero-waste models, technology transfer, and cluster development to enhance sustainable Blue Economy growth.

"Both sides explored investment opportunities for the Icelandic seafood processing industry in India - Official Statement"

New Delhi, Sep 12

India and Iceland are set to enhance collaboration in fisheries and aquaculture, emphasising sustainable practices, zero-waste models, technology transfer and cluster-based development, the government said on Friday.

An Indian delegation, led by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, completed a three-day official visit in Iceland's Reykjavík to strengthen bilateral cooperation through strategic partnerships, investment promotion, and innovation exchange, an official statement said.

Likhi met with senior representatives of the Iceland Ocean Cluster and discussed cooperative innovation in fish processing, value addition, traceability, and certification. BRIM and Hampiðjan, leading Icelandic companies, provided insights into their advanced zero-waste models and cutting-edge processing technologies.

"Both sides explored investment opportunities for the Icelandic seafood processing industry in India, along with ways to deepen business-to-business (B2B) linkages," the statement said.

The delegation also visited MATIS, Iceland’s top food and biotech R&D institute, to discuss cooperation in biotechnology, food safety, and marine resource utilisation. The visit opened new avenues for collaboration in research and technology transfer to bolster India’s fisheries value chain, the release added.

Emphasis was also laid on training and capacity building in deep-sea fishing technologies, alongside the adoption of advanced vessel monitoring and surveillance (VMS) systems, the ministry of Fisheries said.

The two sides explored opportunities in deep-sea fishing technologies, vessel monitoring systems, trout farming, and tuna innovations for India's islands.

The government has adopted a cluster-based development model under the PMMSY, with 34 clusters notified so far. The cluster-based approach enhances competitiveness and efficiency by uniting geographically connected enterprises of all sizes - micro, small, medium, and large-across the entire value chain, from production to exports.

The country’s total fish production has grown by 104 per cent from 96 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, as inland fisheries expanded by 142 per cent for the same period from 61 lakh tonnes to 147.37 lakh tonnes, according to government data.

India stands as the second largest fish producing nation in the world, contributing around 8 per cent of global output.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative! Our coastal communities will benefit immensely from technology transfer and training. Hope this collaboration creates more employment opportunities in fishing villages.
D
David E
Impressive growth numbers - 104% increase in fish production! Shows what focused policy and international collaboration can achieve. The cluster-based approach seems particularly smart.
A
Ananya R
Hope they prioritize sustainable practices. Our marine resources are precious and overfishing could be disastrous. Iceland's conservation models should be studied carefully.
K
Karthik V
The focus on deep-sea fishing tech and vessel monitoring is crucial for safety and efficiency. Many Indian fishermen still use outdated methods. Modernization is overdue!
S
Sarah B
While this sounds promising, I hope the implementation is effective at ground level. Often such international collaborations don't trickle down to actual fishermen. Proper monitoring needed.
V
Vikram M
Second largest fish producer in the world! 🎉 This partnership can help us become number one while maintaining ecological balance. Proud of our fisheries sector growth!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50