*𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡, 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲: 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓!* India is set to take a big leap in the fisheries sector with new technologies like drones, satellites, smart harbours, and digital portals. At the Fisheries Secretaries Conference 2025 and National Workshop on Technology and Innovation in Aquaculture held in New Delhi, top officials and experts shared bold plans to transform Indian fisheries. 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡-𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), Ministry of Fisheries, announced exciting innovations: Drones to carry live fish up to 70 kg across hilly and remote areas. Use of satellite technology for fisher safety, resource tracking, and facial recognition. Development of smart fishing harbours and eco-friendly fish markets. He also encouraged states to use Amrit Sarovars for fish farming, promote ornamental fish, and expand seaweed farming and artificial reefs, inviting private sector participation. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡 & 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 Joint Secretary Sagar Mehra called for states to: Register more farmers on the National Fisheries Development Portal (NFDP). Raise awareness about benefits from schemes like PMMSY, FIDF, and PM-MKSSY. Joint Secretary Neetu Kumari Prasad urged coastal states to: Focus on smart harbours, species diversification, and mariculture zones. Use technologies like ReALCraft for vessel monitoring and follow the FAO Blue Port Model. 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 The government has invested ₹38,572 crore since 2015 in fisheries through schemes like: PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) PM-MKSSY (for aquaculture insurance and support) FIDF (for infrastructure like ponds, hatcheries, cold chains) Under PM-MKSSY, farmers can now get: Digital insurance through the NFDP platform Coverage against disease and natural calamities 10% extra support for SC/ST/Women farmers 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬? Boost digital registration on NFDP Build hygienic fish kiosks and markets Work with banks to ease KCC loans Organize awareness drives for FIDF and insurance schemes 𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐫𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 The 2025 Fisheries Meet was a key step toward tech-enabled, inclusive, and sustainable aquaculture in India. With collaboration between states, banks, startups, and farmers, India is preparing to lead the world in fisheries innovation.