Union Minister of State George Kurien spoke about the importance of drone technology in monitoring aquaculture farms and fisheries infrastructure, especially during natural disasters. He also discussed the plan to equip one lakh fishing vessels with transponders for accurate time tracking, weather warnings, and communication, with an investment of Rs 364 crore.
The role of drone technology in monitoring fisheries infrastructure highlighted
A revolutionary initiative has been started in fish farming and catching to meet domestic market demand and revive seafood export. Drone trials have started to ensure that fresh fish reaches the market on time and cheaply. Preparations are also being made to send drones into the sea so that quality seafood can be exported. Due to this, recently the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying organized a workshop at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala.
This workshop was organized on the use of drone technology in fisheries and aquaculture. On this occasion, Union Minister of State George Kurien saw the supply of fish and other works by drones. During this, he said that the Government of India has always been at the forefront of bringing about change in the fisheries sector and economic reform and development through a blue revolution in the country. In the last 10 years, the government has invested Rs 38.6 thousand crores through various schemes.
The minister told what work the drone will do
Minister of State George Kurien said that it is being ascertained where and what can be used drones from fisheries to fishing in the sea. But there are some works for which the trial of drones has started. The use of drones will bring changes in works like water sampling, identification of diseases, and fish feed management. Drones can also monitor the behavior of fish inside the water and the signs of upcoming problems. Not only this, it will also play an important role in the marketing of fish.
Works like fishing and stock assessment can also be done with drones. Along with assessing the damage caused by any kind of natural disaster, it will also prove helpful in rescue and relief work. The biggest thing is that the work of fish transportation, monitoring, and environmental monitoring will also be done with satellite-based drones.
100 fishermen’s villages are being transformed
George Kurien shed light on the initiatives taken by the Fisheries Department and the development of strategic investments and progressive policies in the last 10 years. Giving information, he said that under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the development of 100 fishermen’s villages in the coastal area was announced. Under the scheme, two crores were allocated to each village to enhance the infrastructure in these villages and promote sustainable livelihoods. This initiative aims to take measures against climate change by providing facilities like fish drying yards, processing centers, and emergency rescue facilities. Not only this, schemes like seaweed cultivation and green fuel initiatives are being supported.