Bhuj: The Kutch coast is poised to emerge as a major hub of India’s Blue Economy, with the Gujarat government undertaking large-scale initiatives to strengthen marine-based economic activities, fisheries infrastructure, and sustainable coastal development, an official statement said today.

With the longest coastline in the country, Gujarat plays a pivotal role in advancing the Blue Economy, and Kutch, home to the state’s largest sea area, is expected to make a significant contribution in the coming years. The state government has implemented multiple incentive-driven policies to boost fisheries production and improve the livelihoods of fishermen. As a result, Gujarat currently ranks second in the country in marine fish production.

Modern Infrastructure at Jakhau Port

To further strengthen coastal infrastructure, a modern jetty and harbour will be constructed at Jakhau Port in Abdasa taluka of Kutch at a cost of ₹121 crore. The project is expected to enhance facilities for fishermen, improve marine logistics, and accelerate economic activity along the Kutch coastline.

Understanding the Blue Economy

The Blue Economy extends beyond traditional fishing and shipping activities and encompasses a wide range of ocean-based sectors, including marine biotechnology, renewable energy, deep-sea exploration, eco-tourism, port-led development, and smart fishing technologies.

The Central Government has rolled out several flagship initiatives to promote this sector, including the Sagarmala Project for port modernisation, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for fisheries development, and the Harit Sagar Guidelines aimed at achieving zero carbon emissions in port operations. These initiatives focus on strengthening infrastructure, improving productivity, enhancing value chains, and ensuring the socio-economic welfare of fishermen.

Gujarat’s Fisheries Push

To unlock the full potential of its coastline, the Gujarat government has introduced a range of measures, including reduced VAT on diesel, subsidies on fuel, land allocation for shrimp farming, improved road and electricity connectivity, and upgraded port infrastructure for small fishermen. Assistance is also being provided for biofloc and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), cage culture, modern boat-building yards, cold storage facilities, blast freezers, and fish by-product processing units.

Additional support includes the provision of replacement boats and nets for traditional fishermen, establishment of seaweed seed banks, hatcheries for fish and crab, and promotion of seaweed farming through raft and tube-net techniques.

Fisheries Growth in Kutch

Kutch district has a coastline of 406 km, accounting for 25.38 per cent of Gujarat’s total coastline. The district’s marine fish production stands at 59,213 metric tonnes, contributing 8.40 per cent of the state’s total marine output. With an average market value of ₹165 per kg, fisheries from Kutch generated an estimated ₹980 crore in revenue during 2023–24.

Over the past three years, financial assistance amounting to ₹1 crore has been extended to 444 beneficiaries under various fisheries schemes, while ₹107.80 lakh has been directly transferred to beneficiaries through DBT.

Seaweed Farming and Global Showcase

The Gujarat government has initiated a Blue Revolution in coastal regions, particularly in Kutch and Saurashtra, through large-scale promotion of seaweed farming. The initiative is opening new livelihood avenues, especially for women and youth, while supporting eco-tourism and sustainable marine practices.

Seaweed cultivation is rapidly expanding across an estimated 430 km stretch, from the Kutch coastline to deep bays near Devbhumi Dwarka. In Kutch’s Kori Creek area, cultivation of Glacilaria marine algae is being carried out under the supervision of national research institutes along with private entrepreneurs. Free training has been provided to 1,500 fishermen, with financial assistance of ₹3.23 lakh disbursed to beneficiaries.

The achievements of Kutch and Saurashtra in seaweed farming will be showcased at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, scheduled to be held in Rajkot from January 11 to 12, 2026, placing Gujarat’s Blue Economy initiatives on the global stage.

With sustained policy support, modern infrastructure, and innovation-driven practices, Gujarat’s Blue Economy led by Kutch is emerging as a powerful engine of economic growth and a key contributor to the vision of a self-reliant India. DeshGujarat