India’s Fisheries Sector Embraces Drone Technology in Transformative Push for Blue Revolution

Kochi: In a significant move to modernize and elevate India’s fisheries sector, the Government of India, through the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), organized a one-day workshop on November 8, 2024, at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi. The workshop focused on showcasing the applications of drone technology in fisheries and aquaculture, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainable and tech-driven growth under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

The event was graced by George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries and Minority Affairs, who highlighted India’s strategic advancements in the fisheries sector. Notable attendees included Dr. Grinson George, Director of CMFRI, and Dr. B K Behera, Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). Over 700 fishermen and fisherwomen gathered, with dignitaries, scientists, and state fisheries officials actively participating in the interactive sessions.

During his inaugural address, Kurian emphasized the role of drone technology in revolutionizing the sector, particularly through water sampling, disease identification, feed management, and disaster response. The Minister announced the development of 100 climate-resilient coastal fishing villages under PMMSY, with ₹2 crore allocated to each village. These climate-smart villages will feature essential infrastructure like fish drying yards, processing centers, and emergency rescue facilities, aimed at bolstering resilience and promoting sustainable practices, including seaweed cultivation and green fuel initiatives.

Reflecting on India’s Blue Revolution efforts, Kurian disclosed plans to equip 100,000 fishing vessels with transponders for real-time tracking and communication, with an investment of ₹364 crore, providing fishermen with weather updates and safety measures to navigate risks effectively. The Minister reiterated that over ₹38,500 crore has been invested over the past decade to drive economic growth and uplift the sector through various initiatives, including PMMSY, which focuses on sustainable, inclusive development.

Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine), highlighted the success of PMMSY, reaffirming the government’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Notably, the NFDB organized drone demonstrations at CIFRI in Barrackpore and Gyan Bhawan in Patna, showcasing practical applications of this technology for enhancing aquaculture farm management and fish marketing.

The workshop also featured a presentation by Dr. V V Suresh from EyeROV Technologies on the use of underwater drones for tracking fish behavior, distress signals, and environmental monitoring. As part of the event, “Cadalmin BSF PRO,” a sustainable fish feed, was distributed to farmers to support environmentally-friendly aquaculture practices. The launch of a brochure titled “EG Sailas Centre of Excellence and Innovation” provided further insights into advancements in marine fish microbiome and nutrigenomics.

Complementing the main workshop, a related event was held at the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) in Kochi. Supported by the Directorate General of Shipping, the workshop facilitated discussions on fishing vessel registration and certification, with expert contributions from the Indian Registry of Shipping (IRS) and the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI).

The application of drone technology is expected to bring transformative change to India’s fisheries sector, enabling sustainable practices and improving the resilience of fisher communities across the nation. This workshop marks another milestone in India’s journey toward realizing the full potential of its fisheries resources, fostering a robust, tech-enabled future.