The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying held an outreach programme in Agatti, Lakshadweep on 31st August 2026 to develop the region’s fisheries sector. The Vice-President of India attended the event alongside the Union Minister and other officials. The programme focused on sustainable fishing practices and unlocking economic potential from island fisheries resources.
What was announced
The Vice-President released “Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031” Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development. The government highlighted Lakshadweep’s fisheries potential at over 1 lakh tonnes annually, with approximately 94,000 tonnes of tuna and tuna-like species available for harvest.
Fisheries development projects worth over 62 crore rupees have been approved under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for Lakshadweep. Support measures distributed during the event included assistance for acquiring Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels for traditional fishermen, safety kits for fishing boats, Kisan Credit Cards for fishermen, boat and net replacement assistance, and communication and tracking devices.
The government has notified new rules and guidelines for sustainable fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and High Seas, including an Access pass and Letter of Authorization system. Lakshadweep has been designated as a Seaweed Cluster with a Seaweed Bank approved in collaboration with scientific institutions. Around 575 seaweed cultivation units supported by approximately 2 crore rupees investment are being promoted. An ornamental fish hatchery has been established at Agatti with three rearing units approved. Nineteen recreational fishing units have been sanctioned to promote fisheries-based tourism. Sixteen Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels costing approximately 1.2 crore rupees each are under construction with full government financial assistance.
What this means for you
If you are a fisherman or fisher in Lakshadweep, you now have access to newer boats and fishing technology with government funding, and can apply for credit through Kisan Credit Cards. Women’s groups and youth can participate in seaweed farming and ornamental fish cultivation as new income sources. Tourists visiting the islands may find expanded recreational fishing opportunities linked to the new tourism-focused fishing units being established.