Drone Technology Set to Revolutionize Fisheries Management: Dr Abhilaksh Likhi Reviews ICAR-CIFRI Pilot Project

During the visit, Dr. Likhi interacted with fish farmers and fishers, learning about their experiences and challenges.

 

The Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, visited the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Kolkata, today to review advancements in the application of drone technology for fisheries management. This event brought together key stakeholders, including scientists, state fisheries officials, fishermen, fisherwomen, and industry representatives, both in person and through virtual participation.

During the visit, Dr Likhi interacted with fish farmers and fishers, learning about their experiences and challenges. He acknowledged the potential of drone technology to address their operational needs, increase efficiency, and improve productivity within the fisheries sector. He emphasized the importance of such technologies in reducing human involvement and minimizing stress on live fish during transportation.

Pilot Project: Drone Technology for Fisheries

Dr Likhi highlighted the pilot project undertaken by ICAR-CIFRI, which aims to transform the fisheries sector by providing drone-based solutions for the transport of fresh fish. He noted that this innovation promises faster, safer, and more hygienic delivery of fish, significantly improving the supply chain while reducing transportation time and ensuring minimal handling.

The initiative also aligns with the government’s goals under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY), approved in February 2024, with an outlay of Rs 6,000 crore. This scheme focuses on formalizing the unorganized fisheries sector by creating a National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP), which will facilitate access to credit, insurance, and enhanced traceability for fish farmers and vendors. The NFDP aims to support microenterprises and small enterprises across the fisheries industry by 2025.

Drone Demonstration and Technology IntegrationDuring the demonstration, various drone technologies were showcased, including sprayer drones, feed broadcast drones, and cargo delivery drones. These tools are designed to enhance efficiency in fish farming by automating essential tasks, such as spraying, feeding, and transporting live fish with payload capacities of up to 100 kg over a distance of 10 km.

The Director of ICAR-CIFRI, Dr. B.K. Das presented the institute’s progress in developing these drone applications, and a start-up company provided additional insights into their commercial potential. The demonstration saw participation from over 100 fishermen and fisherwomen, who were keen to understand how these technologies could benefit their operations.

Call for Nationwide Adoption

Dr Likhi urged the ICAR-CIFRI and other stakeholders to ensure that drone-based solutions become accessible to fish farmers across the country. He also requested that the Fisheries Department document these demonstrations and share them with the Ministry of Fisheries to raise awareness about the potential benefits among a wider audience.

This pilot project is a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing challenges of fish transportation, including delays, losses due to inadequate preservation, and reduced market value. Drones can overcome these hurdles by ensuring timely delivery of live fish with minimal handling, helping the industry maintain the quality of its products and increase profitability.

As the fisheries sector evolves, the adoption of modern technologies like drones will play a pivotal role in sustainable aquaculture and enhancing the livelihoods of fish farmers by ensuring better access to markets and higher returns.