Port Blair: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Saturday, underlined the government’s push to unlock the economic potential of India’s seas, stressing that ocean-based industries will drive future growth.
Speaking during a visit to the Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands (ACOSTI) in Port Blair, the minister said the next phase of economic expansion will come from marine resources and island regions, not just the mainland.
Singh launched and reviewed a series of ocean technology initiatives designed to create livelihoods, boost scientific capability, and expand marine production in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He said the Centre’s sustained emphasis on the Blue Economy reflects the prime minister’s belief that national development must include remote coastal and island communities.
The programme, held at ACOSTI under the National Institute of Ocean Technology, was attended by Andaman & Nicobar MP Bishnu Pada Ray, Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary Dr M Ravichandran, senior administrators, research scientists, and representatives from local departments and self-help groups.
The minister said Parliamentary advocacy has ensured continuous national attention on the islands, noting that since 2014, island territories and the Northeast have seen increased policy support, institutional funding, and ministerial engagement.
Highlighting India’s Deep Ocean Mission, Singh said the initiative received rare prominence with announcements from the Red Fort on two consecutive Independence Days, marking a national commitment to ocean-based development. He further said marine wealth is likely to become a major pillar of growth as conventional resources reach their limits, adding that Blue Economy-linked industries promise jobs, exports, and environmental sustainability.
During the visit, the minister reviewed technology demonstrations, including pilot open sea cage farming and seaweed cultivation projects, according to an official statement. He said the transfer of these technologies to local communities reflects a collaborative development approach and that the islands offer ideal conditions for such projects due to region-specific species and coastal characteristics.
Singh also emphasised the growing convergence between biotechnology and ocean science. He noted that India’s BioE3 policy seeks to harness bio-resources for economic growth and environmental gains and said marine ecosystems could yield biodegradable plastics substitutes, pharmaceutical compounds, and other high-value products.
He highlighted emerging focus areas such as non-animal nutrition, export-oriented seafood production, waste-to-wealth systems and niche food categories with rising demand in Europe. Women’s participation and Self-Help Groups, he said, must be central to scaling these initiatives to promote “Vocal for Local” and “Local for Global”.
