Odisha has launched a comprehensive roadmap to enhance its blue economy, emphasizing sustainable ocean-based industries and aquaculture growth.
What observers say
“We believe in moving with time and making the best use of the land resources we have,” stated Shyam Singh Rana, a key figure in Haryana’s agricultural initiatives. This sentiment echoes the broader goals of the Global Summit on Blue Economy held in Odisha, where the state unveiled a strategic roadmap aimed at accelerating its ocean-based economy.
Odisha’s coastline, stretching 575 kilometers, offers a significant advantage for economic expansion, particularly in maritime sectors. The newly introduced roadmap focuses on port-led urbanization and the development of blue economy industrial hubs near Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur ports. These hubs are set to target sectors such as marine biotechnology, green shipping, and AI-driven maritime systems, positioning Odisha as a leader in sustainable ocean resource management.
As part of this initiative, the Gurugram-Faridabad-Nuh belt in Haryana is emerging as a hub for inland seafood farming. The state’s ‘Blue Revolution’ aims to promote high-value aquaculture while reclaiming degraded land, which is crucial for enhancing local economies. The shrimp production in Haryana has seen a remarkable increase, rising from approximately 11,000 metric tonnes in 2023-24 to nearly 14,966 metric tonnes in 2024-25, marking a growth of almost 36 percent.
Farmers in Haryana are increasingly adopting shrimp farming, particularly focusing on the White Leg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). This shift is supported under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which aims to boost the fisheries sector across the country. Notably, shrimp accounts for more than 65 percent of India’s seafood export value, highlighting its importance to the national economy.
In a related development, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made headlines by removing red and blue flashing lights from the official vehicle of Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. “I have no desire for a car equipped with a red beacon,” Tawde remarked, reflecting a shift in the perception of political status symbols. This move follows a ban imposed by the Central Government in May 2017 on the use of red beacons on standard government vehicles, aimed at curbing VIP culture.
As the blue economy initiatives unfold in both Odisha and Haryana, the focus remains on sustainable practices and economic growth. The integration of advanced technologies and sustainable practices in aquaculture and marine industries is expected to yield significant benefits for local communities and the environment.
Looking ahead, the success of these initiatives will depend on continued investment in infrastructure and technology, as well as collaboration between state governments and local stakeholders. The next steps will likely involve further development of the proposed industrial hubs and ongoing support for farmers transitioning to aquaculture.
