29 December 2025, Kochi
The Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, visited the Mandapam Regional Centre of the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Tamil Nadu today.
During the visit, the Minister held detailed interactions with scientists of ICAR-CMFRI and reviewed the Institute’s ongoing research, development, and extension programmes. He appreciated the significant contributions of ICAR-CMFRI towards advancing marine fisheries and mariculture in the country and took keen interest in understanding region-specific research challenges and opportunities, particularly in the Gulf of Mannar region.
Emphasising the importance of sustainable fishing practices and mariculture, the Minister highlighted their critical role in enhancing the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities. He underscored that scientific research must translate into tangible socio-economic benefits for fishermen through climate-resilient, environmentally responsible, and income-enhancing interventions.
Prof. Baghel also held an extensive review meeting with senior officials of the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Animal Husbandry in Rameshwaram district. During the deliberations, he shared insights gained from his direct interactions with fishermen, including during his visit to Pamban village, and discussed key grassroots-level challenges faced by the fishing community.
The Minister expressed a strong desire for ICAR-CMFRI to play a more proactive role in supporting coastal and island fishing communities through skill development, value addition, and livelihood diversification. He particularly highlighted the immense potential of seaweed cultivation, ornamental fisheries, and mariculture-based enterprises, and called for scaling up seaweed production through scientific support, capacity building, and market linkages.
Reiterating the need for collaborative efforts among research institutions, line departments, and local communities, Prof. Baghel stressed that such partnerships are essential for building a resilient and prosperous coastal economy. He encouraged ICAR-CMFRI to continue serving as a key knowledge and innovation partner for the sustainable development of India’s marine fisheries sector.
(Source: ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi)
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