The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Government of India is organizing a launch of Fisheries Infrastructure Project under PMMSY and Multi-Dimensional Capacity Building Conclave for Co-operative Led Seaweed Farming under Blue Economy on 1^st September 2026, at Kamarajar Manimadapam, Puducherry to strengthen fisheries infrastructure, promote sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal communities, enhance value chain efficiencies and accelerate the development through a cooperative-led approach.

The Outreach Programme will be graced by the august presence of Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj; Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Shri K. Kailashnathan, Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor, Puducherry, Thiru N. Rangasamy, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Puducherry, Thiru A. Anbalagan, Hon'ble Speaker, Puducherry Legislative Assembly, Shri Malladi Krishna Rao, Hon'ble Fisheries Minister, Puducherry, Shri G. N. S. Rajasekaran, Hon'ble Agriculture Minister, Puducherry, Shri A. Namassivayam, Hon'ble Home Minister, Puducherry, A. John Kumaradhas, Hon'ble Chief Minister's Adviser, V. P. Sivakolundhu, Hon'ble Civil Supplies Minister, Puducherry, Shri V. Vaithilingam, Hon'ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Puducherry, Shri S. Selvaganabathy, Hon'ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Puducherry, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India and Dr Sharat Chauhan, Chief Secretary, Government of Puducherry

The event will also witness the participation of fish farmers and fishers including women fish farmers and fishers in person, along with officials from the Department of Fisheries, GoI, Government of Puducherry and representatives from fisheries value chain stakeholders.

Puducherry is emerging as a model for sustainable and infrastructure-led fisheries development under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Blessed with rich marine resources and a vibrant fishing community, the Union Territory has witnessed significant investments in modern fisheries infrastructure, including the upgradation of the Thengaithittu Fishing Harbour and the establishment of a state-of-the-art Fish Landing Centre at Nallavadu. These facilities have enhanced fish handling, berthing, auctioning and safety arrangements, benefiting thousands of fishers and over 600 fishing families in the coastal region. Puducherry is also pioneering cooperative-led seaweed farming through the Advanced Centre for Innovation and Capacity Development (ACICD) at Karaikal, which leverages modern technologies and promotes sustainable livelihoods, particularly for fisherwomen. Together, these initiatives are strengthening the fisheries value chain, generating employment, enhancing incomes and advancing the vision of a prosperous Blue Economy in the Union Territory.

Further strengthening this momentum, the government of India has taken a Cluster approach for strengthening the fisheries value chain notifying Karaikal in Puducherry as a Fishing Harbour Cluster under PMMSY and a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour is also being developed in Karaikal with a total outlay of Rs. 119.94 Crore. The modern facility will enable safe vessel berthing, hygienic fish handling and efficient marketing, while improving operational efficiency, strengthening the fisheries value chain and creating better livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.

This integrated approach will support the focused development of Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and fisheries cooperatives by strengthening their institutional capacity and improving access to modern infrastructure, finance, technology, value addition and markets. By enabling collective action and greater participation across the fisheries value chain, the initiative will help sustainably harness Puducherry’s untapped fisheries potential, enhance incomes and generate new livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.

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