Drones to emerge as a game changer in the fisheries sector, says Union Minister

Last Updated11/11/2024

Drones will emerge as a gamechanger in the fisheries sector, addressing several critical challenges with precision and efficiency, Union Minister of State for Fisheries and Minority Affairs George Kurian said here on Friday.

George Kurian emphasized that drones will revolutionize the fisheries sector by providing precision and efficiency in addressing various challenges. This includes improving management and monitoring of aquaculture, enhancing fish market operations, and assisting during natural disasters.

Drones can be used to monitor aquaculture farms, helping manage fish health and feeding practices.
Underwater drones can monitor fish behavior in natural habitats, detect signs of distress, such as erratic swimming patterns, and provide real-time data for sustainable fisheries management.
Drones were demonstrated in practical scenarios, such as transporting fish from farms, dispensing aquafeeds, and carrying out rescue operations during emergencies.

The Centre will develop 100 climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages to support communities affected by climate change. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, ₹2 crore per village will be allocated to build infrastructure such as fish-drying yards, processing centres, fish markets, and emergency rescue facilities.
Climate-resilient practices such as seaweed cultivation, artificial reefs, and green fuel initiatives will also be promoted in these villages.

The government plans to install transponders in about 1 lakh marine fishing vessels at a cost of ₹364 crore. This will provide two-way communication systems to enable real-time tracking and weather alerts, including cyclone warnings.
The technology, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using the GSAT 6 satellite, will also provide information about potential fishing zones to fishermen, available in regional languages.

The event was attended by Neetu Kumari Prasad (Joint Secretary, Union Department of Fisheries), B.K. Behra (Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board), Grinson George (Director, CMFRI), and George Ninan (Director, CIFT), who discussed the integration of technology in fisheries and its potential to improve livelihoods and sustainability.