The Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 concluded with a resounding call for increased technological innovations and adoption to stimulate the start-up and entrepreneurial ecosystem within the country’s fisheries sector. This marked the first-ever Global Fisheries Conference organized by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. A press release was issued on November 23, 2023.
The two-day conference witnessed a robust participation of over 14,000 individuals, both physically and virtually, bringing together foreign delegations, international organizations, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders.
The conference featured an extensive agenda comprising five technical sessions, five industry connections, and five Government-to-Government (G2G), Government-to-Business (G2B), and Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions. An exhibition organized during the conference showcased the participation of start-ups, fishermen, food stalls, and demonstrations ranging from aquariums to artificial reefs, seaweed cultivation, marine cage culture, biofloc, RAS, fish feed, LPG converter kits, pearl extraction, and nucleus implantation.
Industry Connect Sessions: Fostering Collaboration and Innovation
The Industry Connect sessions, which brought together industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and experts, identified critical challenges and opportunities within the fisheries sector. The discussions emphasized the need for innovation, technology adoption, gender sensitivity, and collaborative initiatives to drive sustainable growth in the industry.
- Role of Start-ups in Fisheries and Aquaculture: Speakers emphasized the importance of developing user-friendly and cost-effective products to address challenges faced by farmers. Collaboration among start-ups with complementary services was identified as a key strategy for long-term sustainability in the sector.
- Involvement of Women in Fisheries Value Chain: Despite substantial contributions, women in the fisheries sector continue to be undervalued and underpaid. The session proposed initiatives like hand-holding, capacity-building programs, awareness campaigns, and financial assistance to address these challenges.
- Importance of Cold Chain in Fisheries Post-Harvest Management: The session highlighted the critical role of cold chain management in minimizing post-harvest losses and enhancing the quality and safety of fish products. The urgency to address post-harvest losses was underscored, emphasizing the need for energy-efficient solutions and collaborations for clean refrigeration technologies.
The overall consensus from the conference called for concerted efforts to upgrade cold chain infrastructure and practices in the fisheries sector, aiming to minimize losses, enhance product quality, and ensure the availability of safe and nutritious seafood for consumers worldwide.
