VP Radhakrishnan Releases Fisheries Plan in Lakshadweep
Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 aims to boost ornamental fisheries; VP calls Blue Revolution key to Viksit Bharat
- VP C. P. Radhakrishnan released the Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 action plan in Agatti.
- Fisheries projects worth over ₹62 crore have been approved for Lakshadweep under PMMSY.
- Lakshadweep has estimated fisheries potential of over one lakh tonnes.
- VP said the Blue Revolution could transform fishing communities like the Green and White Revolutions.
GG News Bureau
AGATTI, 31st Aug: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday attended the Fisheries Outreach Programme in Agatti, Lakshadweep, and released “Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031”, the Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development.
The Vice President also distributed various government benefits and assistance to beneficiaries from the fisheries sector.
Describing the occasion as a historic milestone for Lakshadweep and India’s Blue Revolution, Radhakrishnan highlighted the maritime potential of the islands and the role of fisheries and aquaculture in driving economic growth.
He said the blue chakra in India’s national flag represents the potential of the Blue Revolution and the ocean economy. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, he said, fisheries and aquaculture have emerged as a major sunrise sector.
Radhakrishnan said the government is working to take schemes and development initiatives directly to fishing communities rather than waiting for beneficiaries to approach authorities.
He highlighted that fisheries development projects worth over ₹62 crore have been approved for Lakshadweep under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The Vice President said Lakshadweep has an estimated fisheries potential of more than one lakh tonnes, including around 94,000 tonnes of tuna and tuna-like species. He stressed the need to harness this potential through scientific and sustainable methods while ensuring greater prosperity for island communities.
India’s seafood exports also crossed ₹73,000 crore in the last financial year, reaching more than 120 countries, he said. Initiatives related to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and High Seas could further strengthen India’s fisheries sector and global seafood presence.
Radhakrishnan stressed responsible fishing and conservation of marine resources and called for firm action against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
He also urged young people to view fisheries not merely as an inherited occupation but as a modern profession offering opportunities through science, technology and innovation.
Drawing a parallel with India’s Green and White Revolutions, the Vice President said the Blue Revolution has similar potential to transform the lives of fishing communities.
He called upon stakeholders to work together to make India’s Blue Economy a strong pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The programme was attended by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Lakshadweep Administrator Praful K. Patel, Union Minister of State Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel and Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, among others.
