Drones will become a game-changer in India’s fisheries sector, with the ability to address several critical challenges with precision and efficiency, according to Union Minister of State for Fisheries Shri George Kurian.
Inaugurating an awareness workshop and demonstration of drone applications for the fisheries sector, held at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kurian said: “Drones play a pivotal role in managing aquaculture farms, monitoring fish markets, and assessing damage to fisheries infrastructure, particularly during natural disasters when rescue operations are essential. Underwater drones further elevate their impact by closely monitoring fish behaviour in natural habitats, detecting signs of distress like erratic swimming patterns, providing real-time data that strengthens sustainable fisheries management.”
The minister also confirmed central government will be developing 100 climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages (CRCFV) across the country to enhance the economic resilience of coastal fishing communities in the face of climate change challenges.
“The government has allocated ₹2 crores per village under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for the development of essential fisheries infrastructure and facilities. The initiative will be fully funded by the central government and is designed to support sustainable economic and livelihood opportunities for fishers, bolster infrastructure, and enhance resilience against climate threats,” he said.
The initiative will provide common facilities such as fish drying yards, processing centres, fish markets, and emergency rescue facilities, along with promoting climate-resilient practices like seaweed cultivation, artificial reefs, and green fuel initiatives, Kurian explained.
At the same time, the Department of Fisheries, Govt of India, has decided to install transponders in about one lakh marine fishing vessels this year across with an outlay of Rs 364 crores, the minister said.
This project will provide a two-way communication system enabling real-time tracking of fishing vessels and helping fishermen to send short messages using their Android mobile phone while fishing up to 200 nautical miles from the coast. The system will provide weather alerts to the fishermen including cyclone warning during any natural disaster.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) developed this technology using GSAT 6 Satellite.
Information related to Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) will also be made available to the fishermen on their mobiles with the Vessel Communication and Support System. This has been designed to provide access to all features in the regional languages to the fishermen.
The two-way communication system will also enable real-time tracking of fishing vessels including onboard crew, and monitoring of fishing harbours and fish landing centres, the minister said.
