Drones to Soon Transport Fish Across Challenging Terrains: Centre

New Delhi – The government has announced that drones will soon be used to transport fish across difficult terrains, from aggregators to distribution points.

According to Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries) at the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, a pilot project is currently underway to develop drone technology capable of transporting live fish. The aim is to create a drone with a 70-kg payload capacity specifically designed for such operations in challenging environments.

Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Dr. Likhi urged states to strengthen their collaborative efforts to modernize and expand the fisheries sector through innovation, improved infrastructure, and institutional synergy.

He also highlighted the potential of satellite technology to boost fisher safety and operational efficiency. Key applications include resource mapping, biometric identification, and facial recognition systems.

Future priorities outlined at the event include the development of smart, integrated fishing harbours and modern fish markets based on principles of green and blue sustainability. Dr. Likhi called for the establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a structured subsidy framework to support the drone initiative.

The promotion of advanced fisheries technologies, with assistance from ICAR institutes, was encouraged, along with a strong push for processing, marketing, and packaging—particularly through cluster development and a thriving startup ecosystem.

Special attention was given to leveraging Amrit Sarovars (water bodies developed under a national mission) for fisheries promotion, with active support requested from state governments.

Experts also stressed the importance of promoting ornamental fisheries, expanding seaweed farming, and developing artificial reefs. They encouraged greater private sector participation in these emerging fields.

Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland), Department of Fisheries (DoF), addressed key issues related to inland fisheries across inland states and Union Territories. He urged states to accelerate the registration of beneficiaries on the National Fisheries Development Portal (NFDP) and enhance access to central sector schemes.

Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine), DoF, underscored the need for robust infrastructure, smart harbours, and species diversification to support sustainable marine fisheries.

The meeting was seen as a significant step toward aligning the efforts of various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) and other government schemes. Key focuses included fostering collaboration, enhancing capacity-building, and bridging communication gaps between stakeholders.

With inputs from IANS