Minister of State George Kurian to Distribute Specially Formulated Fish Feed to the Fish Farmers

The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), in collaboration with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), will organize a Workshop on the Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries and Aquaculture on 8th November 2024 at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi, Kerala.

The event, scheduled for 10:45 AM, will be attended by George Kurian, Minister of State for MoFAH&D and the Ministry of Minority Affairs, along with prominent scientists, state fisheries officials from Kerala, and over 700 fishermen and fisherwomen. George Kurian will also distribute specially formulated fish feed to fish farmers during the workshop.

The workshop will begin with a welcome address by the Director of CMFRI. The event will also feature the distribution of ‘Cadalmin BSF PRO,’ a specially formulated fish feed that promotes sustainable aquaculture practices. Additionally, a booklet titled ‘EG Sailas Center of Excellence’ will be launched, focusing on significant contributions to the field of marine science. The session will further mark the launch of the Marine Biological Association of India (MBAI) National Symposium, an initiative designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among marine science professionals across India.

NFDB, in partnership with innovative startups, will present on the transformative potential of drone technology in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The presentation will highlight how drones can revolutionize the industry, with practical applications in areas like fish transportation, feed dispensing, and life jacket deployment for rescue operations. The event will conclude with a live drone demonstration, showcasing these cutting-edge applications in action.

The workshop aims to spotlight technological advancements in the fisheries sector and explore how drone technology can maximize efficiency and sustainability. It is expected to offer an interactive platform for stakeholders to learn, collaborate, and understand the potential of drones in transforming fisheries and aquaculture practices.

Interactive Workshop on Fishing Vessel Registration, Survey, and Certification

On the same day, the Department of Fisheries, with technical support from the DG Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways, will host a One-Day Interactive Workshop at the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET), Kochi. The workshop, starting at 9:30 AM, will address key issues related to the registration, survey, and certification of fishing vessels.

Experts from the Indian Registry of Shipping (IRS), Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), CIFNET, Fishery Survey of India (FSI), ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) will participate in the event, along with fisheries officials from coastal states and union territories.

The primary objective of this workshop is to provide capacity building and technical support to coastal state and UT fisheries departments. These departments, which have been delegated powers under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, are responsible for the registration and renewal of fishing vessels. The workshop will focus on providing the necessary expertise for conducting technical fitness assessments of fishing vessels, which are required for registration or renewal.

The workshop will also serve as a platform for enhancing the technical capabilities of state fisheries departments, helping them develop the institutional systems and trained personnel needed for the registration, survey, and certification of fishing vessels. Moreover, it will provide guidance on the maintenance and operation of research, survey, and training vessels across India.