Sri Vijaya Puram, March 27: The Department of Fisheries with the technical support of National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT) will be organizing a workshop sponsored by NFDB, Hyderabad on ‘Tuna Value Addition’ on March 28, 2025 in the conference hall of Department of Industries as part of initiative of Govt. of India, ‘Tuna Cluster Development in A&N Islands’.
Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Secretary (Fisheries) will grace the inaugural session as chief guest. The Director, ICAR-CIARI, Zonal Director (i/c.), Fishery Survey of India, experts from National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology & Training (NIFPHATT), Kochi, Officials from NABARAD, Sri Vijaya Puram will participate in the event.
This event is a significant step towards realizing the Government of India’s vision of utilization of Tuna Resource potential of A&N waters through enhancement of fisheries sector's competitiveness, increasing incomes for local stakeholders, and fostering overall sustainable growth in fisheries of the Islands
The workshop comes on the heels of the Government of India’s formal notification designating the Tuna Cluster in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as part of its strategic focus on the sector, announced on 29th October 2024. This recognition is expected to fuel the growth of tuna fisheries in the region, which holds tremendous potential for economic development.
Various technical sessions are scheduled as part of workshop including Status of Tuna Fisheries in Andaman & Nicobar Islands “The Role of NIFPHATT in Value Addition of Seafood with special reference to Tuna Products, Financial Support programmes of NABARD in Fisheries Sector with a special emphasis to Tuna Cluster Development and Product Development from Tuna. A practical session on On-board handing of Tuna, by the team of NIFPHAT, Cochin is also organized during the event.
Key Highlights of the Workshop:
Focus on Tuna Fisheries: The workshop will place special emphasis on identifying and unlocking value-addition opportunities within the tuna fishing industry in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Experts will guide stakeholders on modern practices and innovations that can be leveraged to enhance product value.
Sustainability and Market Expansion: As part of the government’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management, the event will highlight eco-friendly harvesting and processing techniques, aimed at improving product quality while safeguarding marine biodiversity.
Skill Development and Knowledge Sharing: NIFPHATT will be actively involved in imparting cutting-edge training on post-harvest technologies, processing, packaging, and branding strategies to ensure that the tuna products from the region meet global standards.
Promoting Local Entrepreneurship: The workshop will bring together fishers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to discuss ways to empower local stakeholders, particularly small-scale tuna fishers and processors, to expand their reach in domestic and international markets.
Collaborative Efforts: The joint efforts between the Government of India, local authorities, and national institutions reflect a holistic approach to develop the tuna cluster. This collaboration is aimed at building a sustainable and profitable tuna value chain that benefits local communities and boosts regional development.
With tuna being one of the most commercially viable fish species, the workshop will provide a vital platform for stakeholders to learn, network, and implement strategies that can add significant value to their tuna-related enterprises. By focusing on value addition, the workshop aims to open new avenues for the growth of the fisheries sector while ensuring that the benefits flow equitably to the local population. This workshop, poised to shape the future of Tuna fisheries in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, stands as a testament to the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to driving the growth of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, while enhancing the livelihood prospects for the island’s fishing communities.