Fisheries Sector Transformation: Technology and Policy Take Centre Stage in 2025 Conference

In a significant move to revolutionize India’s fisheries sector, the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) convened the “Fisheries Secretaries Conference 2025” along with a National Workshop on Harnessing Technology and Innovation in Aquaculture on May 23, 2025, in New Delhi. The conference aimed to assess progress under flagship schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and the PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) while promoting the integration of technology such as drones and satellite-based monitoring into the fisheries value chain.

Why in News?

The conference held on May 23, 2025, marked a key review event for central fisheries schemes, with a focus on: Drone-based fish transport in difficult terrains, Aquaculture insurance under PM-MKSSY, Promoting digital registration through the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) and Leveraging satellite technology for fisher safety and resource mapping

Chairmanship & Participation

• Chaired by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), MoFAH&D.
• Attended by State Fisheries Secretaries, RBI, NABARD, ONDC, ICAR, SFAC, and NCDC officials.

Innovative Technological Interventions

• Development of 70 kg payload drones for transporting live fish in difficult terrains.
• Use of satellite technology for resource mapping, fisher safety, and biometric ID.
• Promotion of ReALCraft for vessel monitoring.

Infrastructure & Sustainability

• Call for development of smart, integrated fishing harbours.
• Alignment with Blue Port Initiative of FAO.
• Focus on green and blue sustainability principles.

Schemes Reviewed

• PMMSY: Enhancing fish production and infrastructure.
• FIDF: Calls to boost awareness and registration.
• PM-MKSSY: Insurance sub-scheme for aquaculture.

Aquaculture Insurance under PM-MKSSY

• Basic Insurance: Covers natural calamities.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Adds disease coverage.
• Premium cap: ₹1 lakh per farmer for 1800 m³ units.
• 10% incentive for SC/ST/women beneficiaries.
• Emphasis on digital enrolment via NFDP.

Challenges and Gaps

• Access to institutional credit under KCC due to collateral constraints.
• Post-harvest infrastructure requires strengthening.
• Need for physical and digital market linkages.

Other Focus Areas

• Ornamental fisheries, seaweed farming, and artificial reefs.
• Importance of Amrit Sarovars in inland aquaculture.
• Capacity building, extension services, and FFPO support encouraged.