🔊 Take a moment and listen

The Union Minister of State, George Kurian, inaugurated a workshop focused on the Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries and Aquaculture. The event, held at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi, was organized by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) and underscored the potential of drone technology to transform India’s fisheries sector.

In his address, George Kurian emphasized the revolutionary impact of drone technology on the industry, describing it as a “game changer” that could enhance the management of aquaculture farms, monitor infrastructure, and facilitate disaster response operations. The Minister announced the development of 100 climate-resilient coastal villages under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with a budget allocation of ₹2 crore per village. This initiative aims to equip these villages with advanced infrastructure, including fish drying yards, processing centres, and emergency rescue facilities, to promote climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

The Minister further detailed a significant ₹364 crore project to install transponders on one lakh fishing vessels. These devices will enable real-time tracking, deliver weather updates, and support efficient communication, thus enhancing the safety and operational efficiency of the fishing community.

Dr. Grinson George, Director of CMFRI, formally welcomed the participants and set the agenda for the workshop, which featured presentations from experts in the field. Dr B K Behera, Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), provided an overview of various government schemes and encouraged stakeholders to leverage these opportunities for sectoral growth.

Ms Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine), elaborated on the benefits of the PMMSY and reiterated the Department of Fisheries’ commitment to advancing technology-driven and sustainable development in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. She highlighted initiatives such as satellite-based monitoring and aquaculture innovations and described ongoing drone technology demonstrations at key research sites, including the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in Kolkata and Gyan Bhawan in Patna.

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Dr V V Suresh, Head of the Mariculture Division, and representatives from EyeROV Technologies Pvt. Ltd. provided insights into the applications and challenges of drone technology in the fisheries industry. The session included the distribution of “Cadalmin BSF PRO,” a specially formulated fish feed promoting sustainable aquaculture, and the launch of a brochure titled “EG Sailas Centre of Excellence and Innovation,” showcasing advancements in marine microbiome and nutrigenomics research. Additionally, the official announcement of the Marine Biological Association of India (MBAI) National Symposium was made, aiming to enhance collaboration and knowledge-sharing among marine science professionals.

The Department also hosted an interactive workshop at the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) in Kochi, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways. Experts from the Indian Registry of Shipping (IRS) and the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) participated in discussions on the registration, survey, and certification of fishing vessels.

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