Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 28 March 2025
The Department of Fisheries, with technical support from the National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT), will organize a workshop on ‘Tuna Value Addition’ on March 28, 2025, at the conference hall of the Department of Industries. The workshop, sponsored by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, is part of the Government of India’s initiative on ‘Tuna Cluster Development in A&N Islands.’
Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Secretary (Fisheries), will grace the inaugural session as the chief guest. The event will also see the participation of the Director of ICAR-CIARI, Zonal Director (i/c) of the Fishery Survey of India, experts from NIFPHATT, Kochi, and officials from NABARD, Sri Vijaya Puram.
The workshop marks a significant step towards realizing the Government of India’s vision to harness the tuna resource potential in the Andaman & Nicobar waters. This initiative aims to enhance the fisheries sector’s competitiveness, increase incomes for local stakeholders, and foster sustainable growth in the region’s fisheries sector. The event follows the formal notification by the Government of India on October 29, 2024, designating the Tuna Cluster in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as part of its strategic focus on the fisheries sector. This recognition is expected to propel the growth of tuna fisheries in the region, which holds immense potential for economic development.
A series of technical sessions have been scheduled as part of the workshop, covering various aspects of tuna fisheries. These sessions include ‘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 Special Emphasis on Tuna Cluster Development,’ and ‘Product Development from Tuna.’ Additionally, a practical session on ‘On-board Handling of Tuna’ by the NIFPHATT team from Kochi will provide hands-on training to participants.
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. 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.
NIFPHATT will play a key role in imparting cutting-edge training on post-harvest technologies, processing, packaging, and branding strategies to ensure that tuna products from the region meet global standards. The workshop will also promote local entrepreneurship by bringing 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.
The joint efforts between the Government of India, local authorities, and national institutions reflect a holistic approach to developing 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 initiative, 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 livelihood prospects for the island’s fishing communities.