The Centre has laid out key marine technology initiatives, with the aim to develop Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a hub of India’s “blue economy”.
Jitendra Singh, who is the Union minister of state (independent
charge) for science and technology and earth sciences, said India has vast marine resources that are largely underexplored despite the country’s long coastline.
“The blue economy may not be visible to people in the northern parts of the country, but it makes one of the largest contributions to the national economy,” Singh said on Saturday (January 17) while addressing scientists and officials during a visit to Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands (ACOSTI) in Port Blair.
He launched and reviewed key marine technology initiatives aimed at strengthening the blue economy and livelihoods in the Islands. Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcement of the ‘Deep Ocean Mission’ from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day in both 2023 and 2024, he underlined its strategic importance and said it will play a decisive role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Here’s all you need to know:
WHAT IS BLUE ECONOMY?
According to Singh, the blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs, while also preserving marine ecosystem health.
WHY IS THIS INITIATIVE IMPORTANT?
Singh said India, which has rapidly climbed global economic rankings, must now focus on value addition from resources that have not been fully explored.
“To move from the fourth-largest economy to the top, we must tap areas like the deep sea and marine biodiversity,” Singh said.
He highlighted that the Centre’s strong focus on the blue economy reflects Modi’s vision that India cannot develop in isolation by focusing only on the mainland while leaving behind island territories and coastal regions.
WHAT ARE THE PLANS?
During the visit, Singh reviewed and announced initiatives, including open sea cage culture demonstrations for marine fishermen and seaweed cultivation aimed at boosting livelihoods and promoting sustainable marine practices.
Singh said technology transfer for these projects has already been completed. “Every citizen, industry and institution has a role in nation-building,” he said.
Highlighting the role of biotechnology in the blue economy, he said India’s dedicated biotechnology policy, Bio-E3 – biotechnology for economy, environment and employment – supports innovations such as biodegradable alternatives to plastic derived from marine resources.
“Biodegradable marine-based products fulfil all three objectives: they generate jobs, protect the environment and build a new bio-economy,” he said, adding that the department of biotechnology and the ministry of earth sciences are working together on such projects.
The union minister said Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer unique marine species and ecological conditions that cannot be replicated elsewhere, making the region ideal for advanced marine research. He announced the launch of a coral fish development project, aimed at both domestic consumption and export markets.
He noted growing global demand for non-animal food products, marine-based nutraceuticals and medicines, particularly in Europe, and said India could offer a diversified export basket by leveraging its marine biodiversity.
“Many high-potency medicinal compounds used in cancer and other treatments can be produced more cost-effectively from marine plants,” he said.
Singh further proposed the creation of a collaborative cluster involving institutions under the ministry of earth sciences, department of biotechnology and CSIR to maximise outcomes from blue economy initiatives. He reviewed ongoing ocean science projects, interacted with scientists and fishermen, and stressed on women’s participation and self-help groups in marine-based livelihoods.
“This region has unmatched diversity from the Bay of Bengal to the Indian Ocean. With the right technology and collaboration, India can lead the global blue economy,” he added, while praising the administration’s efforts to promote development and tourism in the islands.
(With PTI inputs)
