George Kurian, MoS Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying inaugurates workshop on potential of drone applications at ICAR-CMFRI
Shri George Kurian, Hon'ble Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, GoI inaugurated an awareness workshop-cum-demonstration of potential drone applications in the fisheries sector, at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), Kochi on 8 th November 2024. He highlighted the transformative impact of this technology, stating that drones would emerge as a game-changer in the fisheries sector, providing tool to address several critical challenges with precision and efficiency.
The event was attended by around 700 fishermen and fish farmers across Kerala. The featured a range of drone applications for tasks such as aquaculture input dispensing, water body monitoring, marine mammal stock assessments, live fish transporting, rescue operation and more.
Shri George Kurian pointed out that 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, the Minister added.
He further said that the Department of Fisheries, Govt .of India 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 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, Union Minister George Kurian said. He also said that the Government has decided to install transponders in about one lakh marine fishing vessels this year with an outlay of Rs. 364 crores.
Smt. Neetu Kumari Prasad, IAS, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, GoI; Dr B K Behra, Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board; Dr Grinson George, Director of ICAR-CMFRI; Dr George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT; Dr V V R Suresh, Head of Mariculture Division of ICAR-CMFRI; and Dr Shoba Joe Kizhakudan, Head of Finfish Fisheries Division of ICAR-CMFRI spoke on the occasion.
The event was jointly organised by the Department of Fisheries, GoI, NFDB and ICAR-CMFRI.
