**Fish Farmers Convene at Versova Seminar to Address U.S. Tariff Impact and Boost Domestic Fisheries**
A seminar held on Monday at Versova brought together fish farmers from across Maharashtra to discuss the pressing impact of increased U.S. import tariffs on marine fish and shrimp exports. The event also focused on exploring strategies to strengthen the domestic fisheries market.
**Inauguration and Key Participants**
The seminar was inaugurated by Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane and organized by the Department of Fisheries at the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE). The event saw active participation from key stakeholders, including PADUM Secretary N. Ramaswamy, Fisheries Commissioner Kishor Taware, Dr. Manoj Sharma of Mayank Aqua, Dr. Narottam Sahu, Director of CIFRI, along with numerous suppliers, exporters, and fish farmers from across the state.
**Farmers Highlight Challenges and Propose Solutions**
During the discussions, fish farmers voiced concerns about the challenges resulting from the tariff hike. They suggested several actionable solutions to mitigate the impact and enhance the sector, including:
– Opening new export opportunities in the European market
– Adopting Goa’s successful shrimp farming model
– Promoting the nutritional value of shrimp to boost demand
– Providing transportation concessions to reduce costs
Many participants reflected that if proactive leadership like Minister Nitesh Rane’s had been available two decades ago, some entrepreneurs might not have been compelled to relocate their businesses to Gujarat.
**Minister Rane’s Commitment to Fisheries Development**
Responding to the concerns raised, Minister Nitesh Rane assured the attendees, “Your suggestions will not go waste; they will definitely be implemented.” He further announced the upcoming launch of the Chief Minister’s Matsya Sampada Scheme in January 2026, along with 26 new initiatives aimed at strengthening Maharashtra’s fisheries sector.
Minister Rane also revealed that he had urged the Chief Minister to increase budget allocations for the Department of Fisheries, highlighting the sector’s tremendous potential as a driver of national economic growth.
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This seminar marks a significant step towards addressing current challenges and bolstering the fisheries industry in Maharashtra through collaborative efforts and innovative policy measures.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/versova-seminar-addresses-us-tariff-hike-impact-on-fisheries-minister-nitesh-rane-promises-support
