16 hours ago
CII national conference held on sustainable growth in fisheries
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with its Food and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (FACE), organised a national conference in the State with the theme: 'Fostering Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness in Fisheries and Aquaculture'.
The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders and sector experts to chart a roadmap for inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive growth in fisheries. CII Andhra Pradesh vice-chairman S. Narendra Kumar stressed the timeliness of the conference and its role in bringing together stakeholders across the value chain to tackle key challenges.
Special Chief Secretary, Fisheries, B. Rajsekhar, who inaugurated the conference, highlighted the importance of private sector involvement and innovation in scaling infrastructure and market linkages.
Commissioner of Fisheries Rama Shankar Naik emphasised Andhra Pradesh's proactive approach in creating conducive policy environments and infrastructure for long-term aquaculture growth. S. Kannappan, Senior Executive Director, NFDB, linked fisheries sector development to the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, urging strategic alignment of efforts.
P. Ravichandran, chairman, CII Task Force on Fisheries, highlighted the sector's vital role in nutrition, employment, and foreign exchange earnings. Industry leaders shared insights on sectoral opportunities and constraints. Mr. S Ganesh Kumar (ITC) called attention to India's protein deficiency and the need for strong public-private collaboration.
Mr. Suresh Chitturi emphasised community engagement, innovation, and infrastructure as keys to achieving the 2047 target of 400 lakh tonnes of fish production. Mr. Pankaj Mehta (Carrier Transicold) advocated for responsible marine practices and leveraging EEZs.
CII FACE report on infrastructure gaps in fishing harbours and landing centres, offering strategic solutions to modernize fisheries value chains, was released on the occasion.
