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Raipur, November 8, 2024: Union Minister of State for Fisheries and Minority Affairs George Kurian today announced development of 100 climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
100 climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) will be developed with Rs 2 crore allocated per village to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable livelihoods, Union Minister Kurian said.
This initiative aims to improve resilience against climate change by providing facilities like fish drying yards, processing centers, and emergency rescue facilities, while also supporting climate-resilient practices such as seaweed cultivation and green fuel initiatives.
Kurian addressing a workshop also highlighted the initiatives taken by the department of Fisheries and the remarkable growth of India’s fisheries sector, propelled by strategic investments and progressive policies over the past decade.
The Central Fisheries Department today organised a Workshop on Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries and Aquaculture at ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala.
Union Minister of State for Fisheries and Minority Affairs George Kurian highlighted the role of drone technology in monitoring aquaculture farms and fisheries infrastructure, especially during disasters, and revealed plans to equip one lakh fishing vessels with transponders for real-time tracking, weather alerts, and communication, with an investment of Rs 364 crore.
Chief Executive of NFDB Dr B K Behera, who highlighted various schemes and initiatives, encouraging stakeholders in the fisheries sector to take advantage of these benefits.
The Centre is always at the fore front in transforming the fisheries sector in a holistic way and bringing about an economic upturn and prosperity through the Blue Revolution in the country.
Over the last decade, the Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, Government of India has announced cumulative investments to the tune of Rs 38,572 crore through various schemes.
Since its inception, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has focused on promoting sustainable, economically viable, and inclusive growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Key initiatives include modern aquaculture practices, satellite-based monitoring, and recent exploration of drone technology for fish transport, surveillance, and environmental monitoring.
In this context, drones offer a range of applications to numerous challenges in the sector. The key critical areas of intervention are water sampling, identification of diseases and fish feed management. The scope also extends to managing aquaculture farms, monitoring fish marketing, assessing damage to fisheries infrastructure and rescue operations during natural disasters. This includes other key activities such as precision fishing and stock assessment.
Underwater drones, in addition, can monitor fish behaviour in their natural habitats as well as signs of distress such as erratic swimming patterns.
Joint Secretary (Marine) Neetu Kumari Prasad, addressed the gathering, highlighting the benefits of the flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and reaffirming the Department of Fisheries’ commitment to scaling up the fisheries sector.
It was emphasized that the Department of Fisheries has consistently championed the infusion of technology to drive sustainable development in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Through various schemes, it has introduced advancements to boost fish production, improve resource management, and increase operational efficiency.
In line with these initiatives the department in collaboration with NFDB, has organized drone demonstrations at key locations, including the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in Barrackpore, Kolkata, and Gyan Bhawan in Patna, Bihar.
