India Partners with FAO for Blue Ports

Exam-Focused Notes: Collaboration between India and FAO for Blue Ports Development

• Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP):

  • Agreement signed between the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations aimed at strengthening Blue Port infrastructure in India.

• Investment in Smart Harbours:

  • Development of three Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbours in Gujarat, Daman & Diu, and Puducherry.
  • Total investment: ₹369.80 crores.

• Webinar on Blue Ports:

  • First in a series of webinars hosted under FAO's TCP, focusing on global best practices in the development of Blue Ports.
  • Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of DoF, emphasized that fishing ports are strategic for economic prosperity, ecological sustainability, and social inclusion.

• Government Vision:

  • Aims to establish ecologically healthy, economically viable, and socially inclusive fisheries systems to enhance national food and nutritional security.

• Technological Integration:

  • Advanced technologies like AI, 5G, automation, and digital platforms will enhance operations at fishing ports.
  • Flagship schemes like PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) and FIDF (Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund) are pivotal in modernization and stakeholder empowerment.

• Focus on Sustainability:

  • The TCP aims to equip ports like Vanakbara (Diu) and Jakhau (Gujarat) with strategic and operational tools to address environmental, social, and economic challenges in the aquatic value chain.

• Environmental Stewardship:

  • Initiatives include eco-friendly practices such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, and robust waste management systems (including sewage treatment).

• Features of Pilot Harbours:

  • Combine technological innovation with sustainable practices ensuring safer, cleaner, and more efficient operations for fishing communities.
  • Use of IoT devices, sensor networks, and data analytics for real-time decision-making.

• Stakeholder Collaboration:

  • Participation from senior officials of FAO, representatives from the Port of Vigo (Spain), and various government bodies indicates a collaborative effort across multiple levels to implement the Blue Ports framework.

• Expected Outcomes:

  • Enhancements in livelihoods, promotion of exports, and boost in the competitiveness of the fisheries sector.
  • Support for capacity building among public and private stakeholders to address sustainability challenges.

• Roadmap for Transitioning:

  • Discussion of a roadmap during webinar sessions focused on transitioning to sustainable practices and improving stakeholder collaboration for fishing ports across India.

These points summarize the collaborative effort for the development of Blue Ports in India, focusing on economic, ecological, and social objectives while incorporating advanced technology and sustainability practices.