New Delhi The government has announced that drones would soon be used to transfer fish from an aggregator to a distribution location in challenging terrain.

According to Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, a pilot study on drone technology for live fish transport is now underway with the goal of creating a 70-kg payload drone that can transport live fish in challenging terrain.

During an event held here, Dr. Likhi called on governments to step up their joint efforts to expand the fisheries industry via infrastructure, innovation, and institutional synergy.

The broad use of satellite technology—which includes features like resource mapping, biometric identification, and face recognition—to improve fisherman safety and operational effectiveness was emphasized.

One of the top priorities for the future was the creation of intelligent, integrated fishing harbors and contemporary fish markets that adhere to the concepts of green and blue sustainability.

Additionally, he advocated for standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a supporting subsidy structure to boost the drone program.

In addition to a heavy emphasis on processing, marketing, and packaging—especially via cluster growth and a robust startup ecosystem—the promotion of new fisheries technologies was supported with assistance from ICAR institutions.

With active governmental assistance, special focus was put on using “Amrit Sarovars” to promote fishing.

In order to encourage private sector involvement in these developing fields, the experts also advocated for the development of seaweed farming, artificial reefs, and decorative fisheries.

Key issues pertaining to inland fisheries in the Inland States and Union Territories were highlighted by Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland), DoF. He urged states to increase the number of applications for registration on the National Fisheries Development Portal (NFDP) and to make it easier for people to access benefits under various central sector programs.

Joint Secretary (Marine), DoF’s Neetu Kumari Prasad, emphasized the significance of creating resilient infrastructure, intelligent harbors, and species diversity.

The meeting was a crucial step in coordinating efforts amongst numerous stakeholders to guarantee the successful execution of the PM-MKSSY and other departmental schemes and initiatives by encouraging cooperation, strengthening capacity-building programs, and closing communication gaps.