Experts from 11 countries to join the 3-day meet for deliberations on actionable strategies for food security and nutrition in Asian countries

Chennai: Amid rising concerns over food security, nutrition, and post-harvest losses in the world’s most fish-dependent region, Chennai will host a three-day Regional Workshop on Strengthening Sustainable Aquatic Food Value Chains from Tuesday. Organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), the workshop will bring together 11 Asian nations. Senior policymakers, researchers, global experts, and value-chain stakeholders will join the meet for a crucial consolidation of evidence and actionable strategies.

India’s experiences and innovations ranging from mariculture advancements to post harvest loss reduction will be presented at the meet.

Government officials from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam will participate alongside international organisations such as WorldFish, INFOFISH, SEAFDEC, and civil society groups.

“Discussions will explore the major inefficiencies affecting aquatic food systems across Asia, including significant fish loss and waste, gaps in cold-chain infrastructure, limited value addition, and weak compliance and traceability mechanisms that impact both domestic and export markets”, said Dr P Krishnan, Director of BOBP. A strong emphasis will be placed on nutrition-sensitive approaches, particularly the role of small indigenous and pelagic fish species in improving public health outcomes, he said.

Gender equity and inclusiveness will form another key area of discussion, highlighting the role of women in fisheries and their participation in processing, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Trade-related issues—including regulatory requirements, market access challenges, and the need for harmonised traceability systems—will also feature in the meet.

The workshop will also host detailed country presentations, enabling delegates to compare national experiences, highlight success stories, and address shared regional challenges.

D V Swamy, Chairperson of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) will be the chief guest during the opening session of the workshop. Dr D. Manikandan, Fisheries and Tourism Secretary, Government of Puducherry will be the guest of honour.

A high-level FAO delegation from Rome as well as senior officials from the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO RAP), Bangkok, including Dr. Omar Penarubia, Fishery Officer, Angela Lentisco, Fishery and Aquaculture Officer and Meeta Punjabi Mehta, Senior Food Systems Officer will speak at the meet.