The National Workshop focused on promoting deep-sea fishing and fostering interactions among Access Pass and Letter of Authorisation holders. Organised by the Department of Fisheries under the Government of India, the event took place at the National Forensic Sciences University in Gandhinagar on September 18. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and Union Minister of State SP Singh Baghel were present to inaugurate the workshop, which coincided with the celebrations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.

The workshop aimed to enhance the understanding among coastal farmers regarding the utilisation of high-value fishery resources available within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and in the high seas. It also sought to identify the challenges fishermen face and explore potential policy solutions to address these issues.

During the event, Chief Minister Patel emphasised the importance of leveraging Gujarat’s extensive coastline, which is the longest in India. He indicated that the state can significantly benefit from the fisheries sector with proper training and resource allocation, reaffirming the Central Government’s commitment to provide further training opportunities for fishermen.

Focus on Infrastructure and Training

Chief Minister Patel discussed the potential for infrastructure development within the fisheries sector. He urged local communities to consider cooperative ventures to enhance fishing operations and stressed that the government is prepared to support these initiatives by offering cold storage facilities and necessary land. The CM called upon cooperative societies to take maximum advantage of these upcoming schemes.

Patel highlighted that the Central Government’s ongoing initiatives are aimed at integrating all sectors, including fisheries, into the broader development framework. He reiterated his vision for Gujarat to become a leading state in fisheries through strategic planning and effective management.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh supported the Chief Minister’s vision by stating that Gujarat holds significant potential for high-value fish species such as tuna. He noted that the government is providing financial assistance and interest subvention under the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund to facilitate infrastructure improvement in the fisheries sector, which could open new avenues for local fishermen.

Significance of the Workshop and Future Prospects

In his address, Minister Singh shared notable statistics highlighting the growth in India’s fisheries sector, noting an increase in fish production from 95.7 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to an anticipated 197.75 lakh tonnes by 2024–25. He pointed out that these advancements create new opportunities for coastal states, particularly Gujarat, to enhance their presence in global markets.

The workshop also included discussions on the need for modernising fishing practices and improving processing, packaging, and value addition. Additionally, he noted that over 4,000 Access Passes have been allotted to Gujarat, enabling local fishermen to engage in activities extending from 12 to 200 nautical miles. The importance of training in modern techniques was underscored as a means to boost fishermen’s incomes.

Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, emphasised the significance of the workshop’s technical sessions, which aim to empower fishermen to expand their operational scope into deeper waters. He outlined plans for future policy reviews based on the workshop’s suggestions and marked the session as a positive step towards strengthening the fisheries sector.

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