Bhubaneswar, Jul 9: The Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission will transform the lives of thousands of fisherfolk, strengthen the state's blue economy and generate new livelihood opportunities in coastal communities, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Thursday.

Speaking at the national launch of the mission in Bhubaneswar, Pradhan said the initiative would directly benefit fishermen's cooperative societies while helping unlock Odisha's vast marine potential through sustainable deep-sea fishing.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan launched the mission and distributed Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas to eligible Indian-flagged fishing vessels.

The programme was attended by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of State SP Singh Baghel and Odisha Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik.

Mission to Strengthen Blue Economy
Describing the launch as a milestone for Odisha's fisheries sector, Pradhan said the mission would promote sustainable utilisation of marine resources while creating fresh economic opportunities for fishing communities.

"The Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission will enrich the rural economy through the blue economy. Today's initiative will change the fortunes of our fishermen and provide direct benefits to fishermen's cooperative societies across the state," Pradhan said.

Pradhan further thanked the Vice President for launching the national initiative from Odisha, saying it reflected the state's growing importance in India's fisheries sector.

Odisha Has Enormous Untapped Potential
Highlighting Odisha's fisheries potential, the Union minister said the state has considerable room to expand production despite possessing natural resources comparable to those of some of the country's leading fish-producing states.

He pointed out that Odisha has a coastline of about 575 kilometres and inland water resources similar to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. However, Odisha currently produces nearly 1.2 million metric tonnes of fish annually, compared with around 4.5 million metric tonnes in Andhra Pradesh.

"The difference is not merely a challenge; it is a significant opportunity," Pradhan said.

The Union minister stressed the need to strengthen cooperative institutions, improve rural connectivity and infrastructure, and formulate dedicated policies for fish-producing organisations to maximise the state's fisheries potential.

LoAs to Promote Sustainable Deep-Sea Fishing
Pradhan said the issuance of Letters of Authorisation (LoAs) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas marks a major reform in India's marine fisheries sector.

The authorisation system will enable Indian-flagged vessels to undertake regulated deep-sea fishing while ensuring sustainable exploitation of marine resources and improving the income of fishing communities.

Pradhan said the Centre has upgraded the ReALCraft digital platform to simplify the authorisation process. Vessel owners can now obtain LoAs through a fully online system with minimal documentation and nominal fees, eliminating unnecessary paperwork.

According to Pradhan, the initiative reflects the government's commitment to Digital India and improving ease of doing business.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Emphasises Blue Economy Vision for Odisha

Fisheries Exports on the Rise
Pradhan credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for bringing transformative reforms to India's fisheries sector since 2014.

He said that despite global economic uncertainties, India recorded more than Rs 11,000 crore in additional fish exports within a year and achieved 21 per cent growth in fisheries exports, strengthening both the national economy and the country's vision of becoming a developed nation.

He said increasing fish production alongside exports should remain a priority for the sector.

Centre, State Committed to Sector's Growth
Pradhan said the Centre and the Odisha government are committed to modernising the fisheries sector and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities through collaborative efforts.

He urged fishermen across Odisha to embrace modern technology, strengthen cooperative institutions and take advantage of the opportunities created under the Deep Sea Fishing Mission.

The minister said the initiative would not only boost marine fisheries but also contribute to rural development, employment generation and the long-term sustainable growth of Odisha's blue economy.