Lakshadweep: The Department of Fisheries organised the first-ever Lakshadweep Investors’ Meet on December 13, 2025, at Bangaram Island, aiming to unlock the Union Territory’s untapped fisheries and aquaculture potential.
The event was held in the presence of Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, who heads the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Ministers of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian, along with Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel, also attended the meet.
Officials said the Lakshadweep Investors’ Meet marked the first such initiative in the Union Territory. About 22 investors and entrepreneurs from across the country participated, representing sectors such as tuna and deep-sea fisheries, seaweed cultivation, ornamental fisheries and fisheries-related waste management.
During the meeting, the Department of Fisheries highlighted four key investment areas in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The focus was on building sustainable value chains, improving infrastructure and attracting private participation while safeguarding marine ecosystems.
Lakshadweep was projected as a high-potential region due to its strategic location, vast lagoon systems and large share of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Officials said the administration was keen to balance economic development with conservation and community livelihoods.
Lakshadweep Investors’ Meet outlines four priority sectors
One major focus area was tuna and deep-sea fisheries. Officials said Lakshadweep accounted for nearly 20 percent of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and supported rich stocks of tuna and other high-value species. However, current production of around 15,000 tonnes remained far below the estimated potential of one lakh tonnes. Investment opportunities were identified in fishing, processing, certification, branding and exports.
Seaweed cultivation was identified as another priority, given Lakshadweep’s lagoon area of over 4,200 square kilometres. The UT has been notified as a seaweed cluster under PMMSY, with facilities such as a seed bank and hatchery already in place. Investors were encouraged to explore offshore farming, biomass processing and bioproduct manufacturing.
The ornamental fisheries sector was highlighted due to Lakshadweep’s rich marine biodiversity, including nearly 300 ornamental fish species. Opportunities were outlined for hatcheries, brood banks and integrated rearing units to support sustainable exports.
Offshore cage farming was also promoted, with officials citing successful pilot projects elsewhere in India. The model was presented as scalable for Lakshadweep’s waters to support modern mariculture.
Officials said a single-window clearance system was being developed to ease approvals. More than ₹500 crore worth of investment proposals were envisaged, signalling strong interest in developing Lakshadweep’s blue economy sustainably.
