Why in news?
The Department of Fisheries signed a technical cooperation agreement with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to modernise Indian fishing harbours into world‑class “Blue Ports”. The aim is to make them environmentally sustainable and globally competitive.
Objectives and features
- Modernisation of harbours: The project will upgrade selected fishing ports with state‑of‑the‑art landing and auction halls, cold storage facilities, waste management systems and renewable energy infrastructure.
- Smart technologies: Blue Ports will use IoT sensors, automation, 5G connectivity and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, traceability and safety across the value chain—from landing to export.
- Climate resilience: The design emphasises eco‑friendly construction, rainwater harvesting, energy‑efficient lighting and measures to withstand cyclones and sea‑level rise.
- Pilot projects: Three harbours—Vanakbara (Diu), Jakhau (Gujarat) and Karaikal (Puducherry)—will be developed at a cost of around ₹370 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Significance
- Boost to blue economy: Upgraded harbours will improve fish quality, reduce post‑harvest losses and enhance exports, supporting fishermen’s incomes.
- Food and nutritional security: Better landing and storage facilities ensure fresher seafood reaches markets, contributing to protein intake.
- Global integration: Modern ports with traceability systems help India meet international standards and access premium markets.
Conclusion
Transforming fishing harbours into Blue Ports reflects India’s commitment to a sustainable blue economy. It leverages technology and environmental stewardship to empower coastal communities.