Three-day Blue India 2026 International Conference and Expo begins at Kufos

Kochi: The three-day 'Blue India 2026 International Conference and Expo', being organized by Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) started on Thursday in Panangad. It was inaugurated by N Felix, vice chancellor of Tamil Nadu Dr J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU).

In his inaugural address, Felix highlighted the importance of blue economy in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said that the ocean and allied sectors are poised to become major drivers of India’s economic growth, employment generation and sustainable development in the coming decades.

Experts participating in the inaugural session emphasized the need to redefine the vision of research in fisheries and ocean sciences. They called for greater emphasis on basic science research, community-oriented studies, trade and industry-focused research and innovation-driven development. The deliberations underscored that social inclusion, active stakeholder participation and science-based policy discussions should form the cornerstone of the Blue Economy and sustainable growth initiatives.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Kufos and TNJFU. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in academic exchange, research, capacity building and technology development.

The programme will conclude on Saturday.