Port Blair Oct 11: In a rare and proud moment for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Durai Selvam, a seasoned fisherman from Junglighat, had the opportunity to interact with Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a special Krishi programme at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
Selected by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying as one of only eight fishermen from across India, Selvam represents the dedication and skill of the Islands’ fishing community. Engaged in mechanised fishing operations targeting large pelagic and demersal species, his consistent efforts, alongside those of fellow fishermen, have not only boosted local fish production but also increased the supply of Andaman fish to mainland markets.
During the interaction, Selvam expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the support extended under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which has facilitated the creation of cold chain infrastructure and hygienic transport facilities—critical factors in maintaining fish quality for both local consumption and export.
Impressed by Selvam’s achievements, the Prime Minister advised him to focus on harvesting tuna and tuna-like species from Andaman waters, highlighting the potential this holds to transform the Islands’ seafood export industry. This guidance not only underscores the strategic importance of the Islands’ fisheries but also positions Selvam and his peers as pioneers capable of shaping a new chapter in India’s seafood trade.
Selvam’s journey from the remote Fish Landing Centre in Junglighat to a special interaction in the nation’s capital is a testament to the dedication of Andaman’s fishing community—and a reminder of the untapped potential lying in the Islands’ rich marine resources.
