As part of its broader Blue Economy strategy, the Centre is accelerating efforts to transform Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands into major hubs for high-value marine fisheries.
The two island territories, which account for nearly 40 per cent of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), are positioned to tap underutilised marine resources through modern deep-sea fleets, enhanced cold-chain infrastructure, and export linkages.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the government has earmarked a combined allocation of Rs 393 crore—Rs 218 crore for Andaman and Nicobar and Rs 175 crore for Lakshadweep. Following the Union Budget framework for sustainable EEZ exploitation, the push aims to transition these islands from raw produce suppliers to self-sustaining value-addition hubs.
Tuna harvesting serves as the centrepiece of the roadmap. Lakshadweep has launched a five-year plan to double tuna production to 50,000 tonnes by introducing mother vessels while preserving traditional pole-and-line techniques.
Simultaneously, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will establish a dedicated tuna cluster to expand cold-storage facilities and streamline direct seafood exports via the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
Beyond capture fisheries, the initiative targets seaweed cultivation in Lakshadweep through dedicated hatcheries and seed banks alongside regulated ornamental reef fisheries.
However, officials emphasised that expanding export ambitions will strictly adhere to ecological management to protect vulnerable lagoon and coral reef ecosystems.
