Konkan plans Blue Revolution

In a bid to increase the fish cache in the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, new techniques of fishing would be discussed by experts and fishermen at the sixth Global Konkan Festival in Navi Mumbai to be held from January 6 to 10, 2018.

"We are creating awareness on the high potential of Konkan region to start fish cultivation and prawn farming. The Blue Revolution aims to educate the people and entrepreneurs with possibilities of starting their own fisheries business in the Konkan region. Konkan is abundant with areas suitable for various types of fish farming like cage farming, pond farming, mangrove farming and pen farming," an official involved in planning the event said.

"Breeding of ornamental fishes is on the increase in the Konkan region. Entrepreneurs are waking up to the fact that this region is extremely conducive to ornamental fish breeding, and have started their own hatcheries to breed these ornamental fishes and supplying to traders in Mumbai," the officials said.

The Konkan Bhumi Pratishthan is hosting the fest from 6-10 January at the CIDCO Exhibition and Convention Center, Vashi at Navi Mumbai.  

Sanjay Yadavrao, chief organizer, Global Konkan & Konkan Bhumi Pratishthan said, "The idea behind organizing the  fest is to promote Konkan tourism on global map, boost reverse migration and starting a mega youth entrepreneurship drive in the Konkan region".

The annual turnover in production is around 11 million tonnes and by 2020 it is expected to hit 15 million tonnes. Total domestic fish retail market is forecast to be almost tripled in next 4-5 years. The current combined turnover of marine and inland fish production is around Rs 4,694 crore.

"There are huge opportunities for development of Konkan, such as tourism, fishery, agriculture and ports. Make In Konkan Campaign under Make in India is being started at the Global Konkan Fest for the benefit of youth and businesses in Konkan with the co-operation of various departments, banks, a well-known experts, who can give guidance and expert tips which will help the region grow and take it to a global level," Commerce and Industries Minister Suresh Prabhu said.

The Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA) would be hosting live demos of various edible fishes which can be grown in the area at Global Konkan Fest 2018.

Talapia, Basa, Shrimp, Prawns, Rohu, Crabs and Jitada are grown in these different types of fish farming methods. Along with these ponds, there will be demonstrations on how to culture fishes and their various growing stages. Also there will be live aquarium setups, with various displays like Sea Water Set-up, Tropical Set-up etc.