Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 12: Mr. S.U. Maheshwar Rao, Governing Body Member of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, participated in the 11th Governing Body Meeting of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Hyderabad. The meeting, graced by Mr. Rajive Ranjan, Union Minister of Fisheries; Mr. George Kurion, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying; and Mr. S.P. Singh Bhangel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying focused on reviewing the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and discussing key initiatives to boost the fisheries and aquaculture sector in A&N Islands.
During the discussions, Mr. S U Maheshwar Rao highlighted the immense Tuna fishing potential of A&N Islands and stressed the need for introducing specialized deep-sea Tuna longliners and promoting the conversion of existing fishing vessels for deep-sea tuna fishing. This initiative aims to enhance participation of local fishers in large-scale fisheries, creating new economic opportunities. The agenda of 10th GB meeting were approved which includes establishment of Integrated Aqua park, implementation of Deep Sea fishing component PMMSY, declaration of Tuna as State Fish.
Additionally, Mr. S.U Maheshwar Rao raised concerns over pending claims under the Group Accident Insurance Scheme and called for an early resolution. To strengthen training and capacity building, he proposed the development of a Training of Trainers (ToT) module exclusively for Fisheries Department officials. This module would cover areas such as mariculture, shrimp farming, fishing technology, fish processing, and value addition, reducing dependence on mainland training programs and empowering local stakeholders.Dr. Ramesh Chand, Professor, Member NITI Ayog emphasized the need to focus on creation of modern marketing facilities in A&N Islands for post-harvest management.
Chief Executive of NFDB, Dr. B.K Behera, ARS assured full support for these initiatives and committed to personal intervention in relaxing certain guidelines to expand PMMSY coverage in A&N Islands. She also emphasized the need for awareness drives across the Islands to accelerate implementation and ensure timely achievement of targets. Furthermore, NFDB pledged to organize training programs both in mainland research institutes and within the Islands, building a skilled resource team to empower fishers, farmers, and entrepreneurs in the fisheries sector.
The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has approved a special scheme under PMMSY to support small-scale traditional fishermen by providing subsidies for the replacement of fishing boats and essential fishing equipment. This initiative covers fishing boats, nets/gear (monofilament, nylon, HDPE), life jackets, life buoys, communication devices, fish holding boxes, and other critical safety and operational equipment, ensuring enhanced efficiency, safety, and sustainability for traditional fishers.
The meeting marked a significant step towards the sustainable development of the fisheries sector in A&N Islands, improving livelihoods and ensuring long-term economic growth under PMMSY.
