Awareness Programme on Sustainable Business Opportunities in the Fisheries Value Addition Sector Held at Visakhapatnam

An Awareness Programme on “Sustainable Business Opportunities in Fisheries Value Addition Sector” was organized on 12 December 2025 at Visakhapatnam, by the Fisheries Incubation Centre (FIC) and Visakhapatnam Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT, in association with the Zonal Technology Management–Agribusiness Incubation (ZTM-ABI) Centre.

The programme witnessed the participation of around 75 stakeholders, including aspiring entrepreneurs, women SHG members, startups, fisheries professionals, processors, exporters, and representatives from allied sectors. The event aimed to create awareness on entrepreneurship opportunities, value-addition technologies, and sustainable business models in the fisheries sector.

Dr. B. Madhusudana Rao, Scientist-in-Charge and Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFT, presided over the inaugural meeting. He highlighted the role of ICAR-CIFT in technology development, incubation support, and enterprise promotion in fisheries and allied value-added sectors. The programme was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Shri G. Pawan Kumar, President, Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), who emphasized the importance of sustainable practices, value-added processing, market-driven innovation, and export-oriented entrepreneurship in strengthening India’s fisheries value chain. The Chief Guest also released informational brochures highlighting ICAR-CIFT technologies and incubation support mechanisms.

Following the inaugural session, technical sessions were conducted focusing on sustainable value addition technologies, business opportunities, incubation support services, and pathways for commercialization. An exhibition of ICAR-CIFT technologies was organized alongside the event, enabling participants to interact with scientists and gain first-hand exposure to market-ready fisheries innovations. The sessions generated active interaction and discussions among participants, reflecting strong interest in fisheries-based entrepreneurship. The programme reinforced ICAR-CIFT’s commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries entrepreneurship, value addition, and inclusive growth, particularly through incubation-led capacity building and industry–research linkages.