Workshop on Drone Technology in Fisheries and Aquaculture to be Held on October 19, 2024

The fisheries and aquaculture sector, often hailed as a "sunrise sector," has been a vital contributor to the livelihoods of approximately 3 crore fishers and fish farmers in India, providing employment opportunities both directly and indirectly. In cs effort to further modernize and enhance practices within this crucial sector, the Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), is organizing a specialized workshop on the Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries and Aquaculture. The event is scheduled for October 19, 2024, at Gyan Bhawan, Patna, Bihar.

The workshop will be attended by several key dignitaries, including Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar; Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayat Raj; Renu Devi, Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, Bihar; Vijay Kumar Sinha, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar; and Samrat Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. These leaders will address the gathering during the inaugural session.

The event is set to bring together scientists, state fisheries officials, and fishers to explore how drone technology can revolutionize fisheries and aquaculture practices. The session will feature technical discussions where the Director of ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) and representatives from innovative startups will share their experiences, findings, and the practical applications of drones in the field. As part of the program, cheques will be distributed to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and various state schemes, alongside the provision of fish feed and fish seeds to farmers. This support is aimed at enhancing the growth and productivity of the sector.

One of the key highlights of the workshop will be the river ranching program at Digha Ghat in the Ganga River. Led by Rajiv Ranjan Singh, this initiative seeks to restock the river with fish, thereby promoting ecological balance and ensuring sustainable fisheries management.

The introduction of drone technology in the fisheries sector is being viewed as a game-changer. Drones are expected to significantly improve fish and fish product transportation, especially in reaching remote areas, by overcoming geographical barriers and ensuring faster deliveries. Recognizing this potential, the Department of Fisheries has allocated Rs 1.16 crore to ICAR-CIFRI for a pilot project focused on developing drone technology for live fish transport.