Andaman and Nicobar Islands to be developed as Blue Economy hub: Jitendra Singh
New Delhi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the Centre will develop the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a Blue Economy hub by harnessing marine resources for growth, jobs, and sustainability.
He made the statement during his visit to the Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands (ACOSTI) at Sri Vijaya Puram. During the visit, he launched and reviewed key marine technology initiatives. He said India’s future economic growth would rely more on ocean resources as the country moves towards becoming a leading global economy.
Singh said the government’s Blue Economy focus reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive development. He added that India cannot progress by concentrating only on the mainland. Coastal regions and island territories must also grow.
The programme took place at ACOSTI, a unit of the National Institute of Ocean Technology under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Andaman and Nicobar MP Bishnu Pada Ray, Earth Sciences Secretary M. Ravichandran, senior officials, scientists, and representatives of self-help groups attended the event.
The Minister said consistent parliamentary representation helped bring national attention to the islands. He noted that since 2014, the Centre has prioritised island development. This focus has increased scientific and administrative engagement in the region.
Blue Economy hub vision driven by marine science and biotechnology
Referring to the Deep Ocean Mission, Singh said the Prime Minister’s Red Fort announcements showed the importance of marine resources. He said the Blue Economy hub vision would create jobs, boost exports, and strengthen environmental resilience.
The Minister highlighted pilot initiatives showcased at ACOSTI. These included open sea cage fish culture and large-scale seaweed cultivation. He said technology transfer has already begun. He added that the islands offer unique marine species and coastal conditions ideal for such projects.
Singh stressed the need to integrate biotechnology with ocean science. He said India’s BioE3 policy supports biodegradable materials, new medicines, and high-value bio-products from marine resources. These efforts, he said, will protect the environment while strengthening the economy.
He also spoke about emerging areas such as alternative marine nutrition, non-animal food products, and waste-to-wealth technologies. Singh said women and self-help groups must play a larger role. Their participation will help local communities benefit from the Blue Economy hub initiatives.
Concluding his visit, the Minister said collaboration with institutions such as CSIR would accelerate progress. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to sustained engagement and said the islands could emerge as a major marine innovation centre.
