India’s fisheries sector has taken a decisive step toward future-ready maritime infrastructure as the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, signed a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to strengthen “Blue Port” development in the country. Marking the first milestone under this collaboration, the DoF hosted its inaugural webinar in a three-part capacity-building series, spotlighting global best practices and next-generation harbour solutions.

Addressing the session, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, DoF, positioned fishing ports as strategic economic gateways rather than mere physical assets, framing them as drivers of prosperity, ecological resilience, and social inclusion. He outlined the government’s vision of building ecologically healthy, economically viable, and socially inclusive fisheries systems, emphasizing the adoption of cutting-edge technologies—5G, artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms—to modernize port operations, enhance traceability, and boost service delivery.

Under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), three Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbours—at Vanakbara (Diu), Jakhau (Gujarat), and Karaikal (Puducherry)—are being developed with a combined investment of Rs 369.8 crore. These harbours are designed to transform post-harvest fisheries infrastructure with IoT-enabled monitoring, real-time data analytics, satellite communications, and automation, paired with eco-friendly infrastructure such as rainwater harvesting, electric-powered equipment, waste management systems, and sewage treatment facilities.

The FAO team, led by Takayuki Hagiwara, shared a roadmap for transitioning to Blue Ports, including a case study on the Port of Vigo (Spain), showcasing successful models for sustainability and efficiency. Discussions focused on collaborative solutions to climate resilience, energy transition, and stakeholder empowerment across India’s coastal states and union territories.

By marrying global expertise with domestic investment, the Blue Ports initiative aims to deliver cleaner, safer, and smarter fishing harbours that strengthen livelihoods, improve export competitiveness, and accelerate India’s transition to a climate-smart, technology-driven fisheries economy.