National 11 November 2026
Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar to Drive India’s Blue Economy Push via Tuna and Seaweed Fisheries
Why in the News?
India is stepping up efforts to position **Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands** as central hubs for its **Blue Economy strategy**, emphasizing high-value **tuna fisheries, seaweed cultivation, and ornamental fisheries** to boost seafood exports and livelihoods.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Strategic Marine & EEZ Potential:
- The two island territories account for nearly **40% of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)**, which spans nearly 24 lakh sq. km.
- India has a coastline of **11,099 km** with an estimated marine fisheries potential of **58.6 lakh metric tonnes**, supporting 50 lakh fishers.
- Financial Allocation & Schemes:
- Under the **Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)**, **₹218 crore** has been allocated for Andaman & Nicobar Islands and **₹175 crore** for Lakshadweep.
- Overall seafood exports reached **₹73,890 crore** in FY 2025–26.
- Since 2015, the Government has committed **₹39,272 crore** towards fisheries development across various schemes.
- Targeted Sectoral Expansion:
- **Tuna Production in Lakshadweep:** A 5-year plan aims to double tuna production to **50,000 tonnes** using pole-and-line fishing and deep-sea vessels.
- **Seaweed & Ornamental Clusters:** Lakshadweep has been notified as a dedicated Seaweed Cluster. A dedicated **Tuna Cluster** is being set up in A&N Islands with MPEDA facilitating direct export access.
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Static GK Facts:
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):
- Launched: **September 10, 2020** | Nodal Ministry: **Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying**.
- Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA):
- Established: **1972** (under MPEDA Act, 1972) | Headquarters: **Kochi, Kerala**.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: What percentage of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is contributed by Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands combined?
A: Approximately 40%
Q: What is the target tuna production set for Lakshadweep under its 5-year development plan?
A: 50,000 tonnes
Q: Where is the headquarters of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) located?
A: Kochi, Kerala
#BlueEconomy #PMMSY #Lakshadweep #AndamanNicobar #TunaFisheries #SeafoodExports #CurrentAffairs #StaticGK