Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, chaired a hybrid Review Meeting today in Mumbai to assess the Outreach and Capacity-building activities undertaken by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) and Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.

In his address, Dr. Likhi emphasized the importance of Collaborative planning of Capacity building programmes and synergy among subordinate offices to deliver impactful and cohesive outcomes. Dr. Likhi underlined the strategic importance of the Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands in India’s marine fisheries development, especially in the Tuna fishery sector. He emphasized the need for targeted interventions in capacity building, skill enhancement, and empowerment of local fishermen, enabling them to adopt modern fishing techniques and post-harvest handling technologies. Dr. Likhi further suggested that highly motivated and skilled fishermen from these regions be provided opportunities for advanced overseas training in sashimi-grade tuna handling, processing, and cold chain preservation techniques. Such initiatives, he noted, would contribute significantly towards minimizing post-harvest losses, and enhancing the export competitiveness of Indian marine products. He also highlighted the strategic role of FSI and CIFNET in strengthening marine capacity in remote island regions.

Detailed presentations by FSI and CIFNET on the ongoing activities and outreach initiatives in Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands were also given during the review meeting. Discussions on  enhancing the technical competencies of fishers and fisheries personnel through specialized courses, hands-on training, field-level demonstrations, technology dissemination activities aimed at improving the livelihoods of the local fishing communities etc. was also held during the review.  The Review Meeting was attended by Senior officials from NFDB, ICAR, MPEDA, NABARD, NCDC, and the Department of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, along with representatives from the Island administrations and other stakeholders.

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AA