Revolution in Fisheries: Workshop on Drone Technology to be Held at Gyan Bhawan, Patna on October 19

The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, is organizing a workshop on October 19, 2024, at Gyan Bhawan in Patna, Bihar, to showcase and discuss the use of drone technology in fisheries and aquaculture. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, and other dignitaries will grace the event as chief guests. 

The event will also see the participation of Bihar’s Minister for Animal and Fishery Resources, Mrs. Renu Devi, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Kumar Sinha, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Samrat Choudhary, along with other distinguished guests. This workshop aims to bring together scientists, state fisheries officials, fishermen, and fisherwomen to demonstrate innovations in drone technology for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Checks and Fish Seeds to be distributed to Beneficiaries of PMMSY

During the inaugural session, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and other key dignitaries will address the gathering. On this occasion, checks will be distributed to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and other state schemes. Additionally, fish feed and fish seeds will be distributed to farmers. The event will also feature discussions led by the Director of ICAR-CIFRI and various innovative startups, sharing their experiences, findings, and practical applications of drone technology in fisheries.

Drone Technology in Fisheries

This initiative aims to increase fish populations in rivers and promote ecological balance for sustainable fisheries management. The workshop will provide a unique platform to highlight the revolutionary role of drone technology in the fisheries sector. With advancements in technology, the Fisheries Department will focus on fostering innovation and productivity through technological interventions.

Employment Opportunities for 30 Million Fishermen and Fish Farmers

Drone technology will play a critical role in the swift transportation of fish and fish products to remote areas. To advance this, the Department of Fisheries has allocated INR 1.16 crore for a pilot project with ICAR-CIFRI to develop drone technology for live fish transport. The fisheries and aquaculture sector, often referred to as an "emerging sector," has provided livelihood and employment opportunities to nearly 30 million fishermen and fish farmers.

Investment of INR 38,572 Crore in Fisheries

Since 2015, investments worth INR 38,572 crore have been made in the fisheries sector through initiatives such as the Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sahay Yojana (PM-MKSSY). These initiatives have significantly uplifted the welfare of fish farmers, marginalized communities, and tribal groups. Recognizing the potential of this technology, the Fisheries Department is working to expand the use of drones for monitoring, resource management, fish transportation, and other applications in the sector.

Monitoring with Drone Technology

Drone technology is known for its innovative applications in various sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster relief. In fisheries, drone technology holds immense potential for monitoring, stock assessment, environmental surveillance, disease detection, feed distribution in aquaculture, and water sampling. Drones can also be instrumental in preserving marine ecosystems by monitoring water quality and detecting harmful algal blooms. In emergency situations, this technology proves highly beneficial for assessing damage to fisheries infrastructure caused by natural disasters and for conducting search and rescue operations.