The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India, in collaboration with the U.T. Administration of Lakshadweep, is organizing an Investors Meet on “Investment Opportunities in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Lakshadweep Islands” at Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep date 13/12/2025  in the gracious presence of Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri George Kurian, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs, Shri Praful Patel, Administrator of Lakshadweep and other dignitaries. 

This event will provide a unique platform for investors to explore the potential of developing the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the Lakshadweep Islands. A dedicated interactive session will enable investors to share experiences and highlight challenges, facilitating targeted policy interventions required for the islands.

The event will also have participation from senior officials from the Department of Fisheries, NFDB, MPEDA, EIC, CMFRI, CIFT, CIFNET, NCDC, NCEL, FSI, UT Admin of Lakshadweep along with local fishermen societies. Around 35 key investors are expected to participate from various parts of the country, including key entrepreneurs in the areas of tuna, seaweed, deep-sea fishing, waste management, and ornamental fisheries.

The Lakshadweep Islands present immense potential for responsible investment in fisheries and aquaculture, wherein Tuna accounts for the largest share of the catch (75%), has 4200 Sq Km lagoon area, and rich ornamental fish biodiversity. The region offers opportunities for deep-sea tuna fisheries, establishing tuna processing and cold-chain facilities, seaweed cultivation, offshore mariculture farms, and ornamental fish production units. These ventures can cater to the growing global demand for eco-labelled tuna, high-value seaweed seeds and seaweed products, and sustainably sourced aquarium species. Strategic investments in these areas promise strong returns while enhancing local livelihoods and contributing to the development of a resilient blue economy. The efforts are being made by the Government to create an enabling environment for investors through water-area leasing, infrastructure support, and community partnerships. This Investors Meet aligns with the Export target envisaged under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) of achieving 1 Lakh Crore worth exports.

The Interactive Session of Investors along with representatives from line Ministries, Agencies, Scientists, Academia and Local Fisherman Societies etc. shall drive integrated planning for fisheries and aquaculture via Whole-of-Government approach. The Investors Meet marks a significant step toward unlocking Lakshadweep’s fisheries potential and is envisioned to propel the UT towards sustained growth, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Investment Opportunities

Lakshadweep's pristine marine environment offers a triple advantage in high-value trade. First, its artisanal and ecologically sound tuna fishing methods provide the foundation for an exclusive, premium market defined by comprehensive hook-to-plate traceability. Second, the atoll islands' expansive lagoons, filled with exceptionally clean waters, are ideal sites for cultivating high-grade seaweed and producing superior quality products. Third, these rich lagoons also host varied ornamental fishery resources. With optimal water quality, an available workforce, and cost-effective seed production, Lakshadweep is uniquely positioned to establish a thriving ornamental fisheries value chain.

Background

The Fisheries sector, acknowledged as a ‘Sunrise Sector’, is crucial for sustaining the livelihoods of more than 3 crore people in the country, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable fishers and fish farmers. India is the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing 8% to global output, and also ranks second in aquaculture production globally. Since the introduction of targeted interventions in 2015, the Government of India has approved or announced cumulative investments of ₹38,572 crores across various schemes. Consequently, total fish production has soared to 197 lakh tonnes. The sector has been experiencing an annual growth rate of 8.74%. The Seafood exports value generated has also risen to ₹62,400 Crores and the Department of Fisheries aims to raise India’s total seafood exports to ₹1 lakh crore by 2030, with 30% comprising value-added products globally.

In one of the important Budget Announcement (2025) by Union Finance Minister, it was stated that:  India ranks second-largest globally in fish production and aquaculture. Seafood exports are valued at Rs. 60 thousand crore. To unlock the untapped potential of the marine sector, our Government will bring in an enabling framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas, with special focus on the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands”. This Investors Meet presents valuable opportunities for investors in the Lakshadweep Islands.

The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has sanctioned a fleet of 16 Deep Sea Fishing Vessels for Lakshadweep, with a total project cost of Rs 19.20 crore. Equipped with multiple gears (pole-and-line, longline, and troll line), along with onboard chilled/frozen storage, and advanced navigational amenities, these vessels are designed for longer endurance fishing for tuna and tuna like resources in the EEZ. This initiative is set to transform Lakshadweep’s traditional subsistence tuna fishing into an organized, large-scale, export-oriented enterprise.

The Department of Fisheries is increasing its efforts on adoption of a cluster-based approach with an end-to-end value chain to drive growth in fisheries and aquaculture. In line with these efforts, the Department of Fisheries has notified Lakshadweep for development of a dedicated Seaweed Cluster in September 2024. Further, the Ornamental fisheries, with ~300 species, offer scope for breeding and production units, aligned with global demand for sustainably sourced aquarium species.

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J.P.

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