India and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, of the United Nations, have joined hands to build world-class Blue Ports. Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has signed a Technical Cooperation Programme agreement with FAO to strengthen Blue Port infrastructure in India.

In line with this, the Department of Fisheries organised the first webinar today. Addressing the participants of the webinar, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi reiterated the government’s vision of developing ecologically healthy, economically viable, and socially inclusive fisheries systems to strengthen national food and nutritional security.

He highlighted the role of advanced technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms in enhancing efficiency and service delivery at fishing ports. Our correspondent reports that under the Blue Ports framework, the Department of Fisheries is leading the development of Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbours that combine technological innovation with environmental stewardship.

Three pilot harbours, namely Vanakbara in Diu, Karaikal in Puducherry and Jakhau in Gujarat, have been approved with a total investment of 369.8 crore rupees.