Drones to emerge as a game changer in fisheries, says Union Minister George Kurian

Centre to develop 100 climate-resilient coastal villages to protect fisher livelihood

KOCHI, 8 November 2024: Drones will emerge as a game-changer in the fisheries sector, addressing several critical challenges with precision and efficiency, Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian has said.

He was speaking after inaugurating an awareness workshop and demonstration of drone applications in the fisheries sector held at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Friday.

“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”, George Kurian added.

He further said that the central government would develop 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”, the Minister said.

The initiative will provide common facilities such as fish drying yards, processing centers, fish markets, and emergency rescue facilities, along with promoting climate-resilient practices like seaweed cultivation, artificial reefs, and green fuel initiatives, Minister George Kurian said.

One lakh transponders to fishing vessels

The Department of Fisheries, Govt of India, has decided to install transponders in about one lakh marine fishing vessels this year with an outlay of Rs. 364 crores, the Minister said.

This 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. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) developed this technology indigenously using GSAT 6 Satellite.

Information related to the Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) will also be made available to the fishermen on their mobile with the Vessel Communication and Support System. This has been designed to provide access to all features in the regional languages to the fishermen.

two-way communication system to fishermen and also enable real-time tracking of fishing vessels including onboard crew, and monitoring of fishing harbours and fish landing centres, Minister George Kurian added.

The event featured live demonstration of drone applications in fisheries, including transportation of fishes from the farm, dispensing aquafeeds and rescue operation.

Union Department of Fisheries Joint Secretary Neetu Kumari Prasad IAS, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) Chief Executive Dr B K Behra, CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George, CIFT Director Dr George Ninan, Dr V V R Suresh and Dr Shoba Joe Kizhakudan spoke on the occasion.