New Delhi: In a concerted effort to foster collaboration, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), chaired a virtual interaction meeting with winners of the Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge and other fisheries startups. The session aimed at gauging their progress, addressing concerns, and identifying avenues for further support.
The Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge, initiated in collaboration with the Startup India hub and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), sought to identify and reward startups making significant contributions to the fisheries ecosystem. Out of 121 applicants addressing specific problem statements, 12 startups were selected as winners after rigorous evaluation.
During the meeting, Secretary Shri Abhilaksh Likhi highlighted various initiatives taken by the Department of Fisheries to promote the startup ecosystem in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. He emphasized the continued support provided to foster innovation and growth in fisheries startups.
Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries) Shri Sagar Mehra emphasized the importance of startups in fostering innovation and the need to support the growth of new-age startups in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Joint Secretary (Marine Fisheries) Ms. Neetu Kumari Prasad discussed the significant gaps in the fisheries sector where interventions by startups could be impactful, categorizing them into segments such as reduction of feed cost, availability of quality seed, e-commerce platforms & marketing, and technology interventions.
Representatives and entrepreneurs appreciated the Department of Fisheries for providing platforms to showcase innovations and connect with stakeholders in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. During the interaction, 24 startups shared their views, with over 100 participants from DoF, ICAR, NFDB, FSI, and Invest India visually present.
Startups expressed the need for marketing support, technology/product validation support from ICAR institutes, access to sectoral data trends, collaboration with the state for forward and backward linkage, and financial support for pilot and expansion through various schemes under the Department of Fisheries.
Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, Chief Executive I/c & Senior Executive Director, NFDB, summarized the focus areas of discussion and reiterated the commitment of the Department of Fisheries to support startups, addressing their concerns through frequent focused dialogues with startups and stakeholders.
As India strives to accelerate growth in the fisheries sector, the integration of innovative ideas becomes crucial. The startup ecosystem in the fisheries sector, gaining momentum, reflects a commitment to address challenges and opportunities in the industry through technology and innovation. The Department of Fisheries continues to encourage startups, seeking their valuable insights to shape the future of fisheries in the country.