Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Minister Parshottam Rupala have highlighted the potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to emerge as India’s largest export hub in the fishery sector, particularly for live marine assets such as ‘Groupers,’ ‘Tuna,’ and ‘Snappers’ fishes. The minister emphasized that international air connectivity and the promotion of cargo facilities will play a crucial role in facilitating the export of these fishes, both live and frozen, to neighbouring countries.
In an interview, Minister Rupala stated, “The place (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) has the potential for the biggest export hub. Here you will get an abundance of ‘Groupers’ and ‘Snappers,’ and these fishes are in high demand in live conditions in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.”
Highlighting efforts to boost exports, Rupala mentioned that the reporting time for vessels carrying fish from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Thailand has been reduced from 72 hours to 36 hours, a move aimed at promoting direct exports by vessels to Thailand.
Under the centrally sponsored scheme ‘Blue Revolution,’ the ministry has approved a project cost of Rs 18.25 crore for the Andaman and Nicobar administration, with a central share of Rs 6.89 crore released from 2015-16 to 2019-20. Additionally, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), an investment of Rs 218 crore, with a central share of Rs 138 crore, is planned for the region.
The Department of Fisheries is also working on constructing a fishing harbor for deep-sea fishing vessels on the Andaman coast to promote deep-sea fisheries in the islands. A significant allocation of Rs 200 crore has been earmarked for the genetic improvement program of commercially important aquatic species, including ‘Scampi,’ ‘Trout,’ ‘Prawn,’ and ‘Carp.’
Furthermore, a financial support of Rs 12 crore is extended to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) for the ongoing genetic improvement program of Giant Tiger Prawn in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands under PMMSY. Minister Rupala also highlighted the National Surveillance Programme on Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAAD) Phase two, stating that baseline data has been collected and compiled from freshwater fish farms, and scientific advice has been provided to farmers based on investigations of 18 disease cases in fish and shellfish.
