State Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar inaugurates Fishtech 23 Conference

Experts from fisheries discussed the current issues in fisheries and way forward in the session.

“Department of Fisheries will follow up the suggestions which will emerge from Fishtech 23 conference “, said Sudhir Mungantiwar, Forest Minister Maharshtra State. He inaugurated Fishtech 23 Conference through video call organised by Maharashtra Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) at CIDCO Exhibition & Convention Centre in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. As Mungantiwar could not come for the Fishtech 23 conference he shared his thoughts in video message.

In his welcome address, Ravindra Boratkar, President, MEDC informed the audience about current scenario of fisheries in the country, “Maharashtra has 4.35 lakh tonnes of marine fisheries. India’s fisheries production is 8 per cent of world production. India export 13.39 lakh tonnes fish worth Rs 57,000 crore.”

 Dr Ashish Paturkar, Vice-Chancellor, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University emphasised the importance of digital technology in fisheries sector.

“New technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Real time data, etc. should be used for improved quality which is important for increasing fisheries export. Value addition is also important for increasing the export,” said Paturkar.

He also added that processing of surplus production of fish is also important as otherwise it can create pollution problem.

Ramsdas Sandhe,Chairman, Maharashtra Rajya Machhimar  Sahakari Sangh, explained the problems faced by fishermen in  Maharashtra state. He said, “One major problem is pollution of plastic, chemicals and sewage in the fisheries. As result 65 per cent fisherman have gone in their profession. Government has imposed restrictions on the strength of diesel engines which created problems for fishermen but this problem is resolved after the instructions from State Department of Fisheries   ”

Meenal Mohadikar, Vice President MEDC proposed the vote of thanks in the last session of inauguration.

Fishtech 2023 a “Sustainable Blue Revolution: Nutritional Security and Exports” event which comprises of Exhibition, conference and workshops aims to promote development and leverage of opportunities in the fisheries sector. FISHTECH 2023 evolve around fisheries business opportunities in the different regions of Maharashtra and it is a regional hub nationally as well as internationally.

 Fishtech concentrates on establishing a partnership between states and regions to promote seamless development and leverage of opportunities in the fisheries sector. The objectives of the event are to bring together stakeholders from the different parts of the Maharashtra region, public sector enterprises, and the private sector in the fisheries sector.

Experts from fisheries discussed the current issues