Drones To Soon Transport Fish In Difficult Terrains

New Delhi: Drones will soon transport fish in difficult terrains, from aggregator to distribution point, the government has informed.

A pilot project on drone technology for live fish transport is currently ongoing, aiming to develop a 70-kg payload drone capable of carrying live fish in difficult terrains, according to Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

At an event here, Dr Likhi urged states to strengthen collaborative efforts aimed at upscaling the fisheries sector through innovation, infrastructure, and institutional synergy.

Emphasis was laid on the extensive use of satellite technology to enhance fisher safety and operational efficiency covering aspects such as resource mapping, biometric identification, and facial recognition.

The development of smart, integrated fishing harbours and modern fish markets aligned with green and blue sustainability principles was identified as a key future priority. He also called for strengthening of drone initiative through standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a supportive subsidy structure.

The promotion of advanced fisheries technologies, with support from ICAR institutes, was encouraged alongside a strong focus on processing, marketing, and packaging, particularly through cluster development and a thriving startup ecosystem.