New Delhi || 09-11-2024 Drones offer a range of applications to numerous challenges in various sector. The key critical areas of intervention is Agriculture. Drones can be used in Fish Farming in a great extent. It can help in water sampling, identification of diseases and fish feed s 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.
The Government of India helping in transforming the fisheries sector in a holistic way and bringing about an economic upturn and prosperity through the Blue Revolution in the country.
The Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, organized a Workshop on Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries and Aquaculture on 8th November 2024 at ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala. The event took place in the gracious presence of George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Fisheries and Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Addressing the gathering MoS George Kurian 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. He announced the development of 100 climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with ₹2 crore allocated per village to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable livelihoods.
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.
The Minister also 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 ₹364 crores.
Dr. V V Suresh, Head Mariculture division and startup EyeROV Technologies pvt. Ltd. presented on the application of drone technology and its challenges in the fisheries sector. Following this the distribution of “Cadalmin BSF PRO” a specially formulated fish feed designed to support sustainable aquaculture practices to farmers was also held.
In addition, a brochure, titled “EG Sailas Centre of Excellence and Innovation,” was launched, highlighting key advancements and contributions to the field of marine fish microbiome and nutrigenomics.
Furthermore, the session also marked the official launch of the Marine Biological Association of India (MBAI) National Symposium, an event aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among marine science professionals across the nation.
The Workshop on Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology provided a unique platform to showcase innovative technological advancements, emphasizing the transformative role of drone technology in the fisheries sector to maximize its potential. Many fishermen, fisherwomen, scientists, entrepreneurs, students, and other delegates participated in the event.
