Ministry of Earth Sciences launched Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav week on 18 October 2021 where Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh addressed a session on “Role of Research Technology & Start-ups in Blue Economy.”
As India commemorates 75 years of independence, it is pertinent to realize how science and technology will contribute significantly towards the inclusive growth of India.
At this inaugural session, the Minister said that Swadeshi startups are going to play a key role in the growth of India’s Blue Economy.
What is Blue Economy?
Blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, jobs, and the overall ocean ecosystem health.
The blue economy presents a source of vast socio-economic opportunity which needs an influx of science-driven developments. India’s blue economy is understood as a subset of the national economy comprising an entire ocean resources system and human-made economic infrastructure in marine, maritime, and onshore coastal zones within the country’s legal jurisdiction.
The Blue economy aids the production of goods and services that have clear linkages with economic growth, environmental sustainability, and national security.
Deep Ocean Mission & other government initiatives to grow Blue Economy
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that the blue economy is a vast socio-economic opportunity for coastal nations like India to utilize ocean resources for societal benefit responsibly.
The government of India has initiated the “Deep Ocean Mission” with a view to explore the deep ocean for resources and develop deep-sea technologies for sustainable use of ocean resources.
In this regard, an Integrated Mining System is in the pipeline which intends to develop mining Polymetallic Nodules from 6000 m depth in the central Indian Ocean.
The exploration studies of minerals will pave way for the commercial exploitation in the near future, as and when commercial exploitation code is evolved by the International Seabed Authority. This component will help the Blue Economy’s priority area of exploring and harnessing deep-sea minerals and energy.
The government is also Drafting a Blue Economy Policy for India which aims to enhance the contribution of the blue economy to India’s GDP while also improving the lives of coastal communities, preserve marine biodiversity, and maintain the national security of marine areas and resources.
Role of Swadeshi startups for indigenous innovations and growth of the Blue economy
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized the need to reach out to the stakeholders across various sections, wherein connecting the industry is one of the themes of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav week under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The indigenous Startups or the Swadeshi startups will contribute heavily to the growth of the Blue economy where the development of innovative technology takes the centre stage. Talking about the same, Union Minister Dr Jitender Singh informed that the Ministry of Earth Sciences has developed an innovative technology from the coast of Pondicherry that can be strengthened in further areas as well.
The Ministry of Earth Science addresses various needs of common people ranging from agro-meteorological services to conversion of saltwater into sweet water through indigenous technology.
For such development, it is paramount that India focuses on the growth of Swadeshi startups to usher in Blue Economy
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