Highlights of Drone Demonstrations Held
At ICAR-CIFRI,Kolkata
In recent times, modern technology such as drone has tremendous potential to deliver vital goods to remote locations, overcoming access barriers and enabling faster delivery. To explore the potential of drone technology in the fishery sector, the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India assigned a pilot project on “Developing drone technology for live fish transport” to ICAR-CIFRI. The project is being carried out by ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Kolkata aiming to design and develop a 100kg payload drone carrying live fish up to 10km.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department. of Fisheries visited and witnessed the Drone Demonstration at ICAR-CIFRI, Kolkata on 24.09.2024.
During the drone demonstration, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, actively interacted with the fish farmers and fishers, listening to their experiences, success stories, and the challenges they face in their daily operations. Different drone-based technologies viz. sprayer drone, feed broadcast drone and cargo delivery drone were demonstrated by ICAR-CIFRI and star-up companies among more than 100 fishermen and fisherwomen. This interaction provided valuable insights into how modern technology, like drones, can address their needs, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity in the fisheries sector, while also offering a platform for them to voice their aspirations and concerns.
At Patna
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) promotes sustainable, inclusive, and economically viable growth in India's fisheries and aquaculture sector. A key focus is on integrating modern technology to enhance the entire supply and value chain.
The Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, organized a Workshop on Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries and Aquaculture on 19th October 2024 at Gyan Bhawan, Patna, Bihar. The event took place in the gracious presence of the Shri Nitish Kumar, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar, along with Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister, Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Smt. Renu Devi, Hon’ble Minister, AFRD, Bihar, Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Bihar, and other esteemed dignitaries.
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister, Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, highlighted the remarkable growth of India's fisheries sector, propelled by strategic investments and progressive policies over the past decade.
The event concluded with a river ranching program at Digha Ghat on the Ganga River, led by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon'ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Panchayati Raj. This initiative aims to replenish fish stocks and promote ecological balance for sustainable fisheries management.
At Kochi
The Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, organized a Workshop on Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries and Aquaculture on 8th November 2024 at ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala. The event took place in the gracious presence of Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Fisheries and Ministry of Minority Affairs along with Dignitaries, Scientists, State fisheries official, Fishermen and fisherwomen.
During the Inaugural address Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Fisheries and Ministry of Minority Affairs highlighted the initiatives taken by the department of Fisheries and the remarkable growth of India's fisheries sector, propelled by strategic investments and progressive policies over the past decade. Hon'ble Union Minister of State announced the development of 100 climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with ₹2 crore allocated per village to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. V V Suresh, Head Mariculture division and a startup presented on the application of drone technology and its challenges in the fisheries sector. Following distribution of "Cadalmin BSF PRO" a specially formulated fish feed designed to support sustainable aquaculture practices to farmers.
The Workshop on Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology provided a unique platform to showcase innovative technological advancements, emphasizing the transformative role of drone technology in the fisheries sector to maximize its potential.