The Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, on Thursday said it has signed a technical cooperation programme agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to develop Blue Port infrastructure in India.
According to the ministry’s statement, the DoF’s Blue Ports framework aims to combine technology with environmental management. Three harbours – Vanakbara, Karaikal in Puducherry, and Jakhau – have been approved with a combined investment of ₹369.8 crore.
The model includes the use of digital and satellite technologies, along with facilities for rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, electricpowered equipment, waste management and marine debris clean-up.
Government’s vision for fishing ports
Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, said that fishing ports should be seen as gateways to economic activity, ecological sustainability, and social inclusion. He outlined the government’s plan to build fisheries systems that are healthy, viable, and inclusive to support national food and nutritional security.
He pointed to the role of technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, automation and digital platforms in improving port operations. He also referred to government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund that are being used to modernise the sector.
According to Likhi, FAO support will be used to pilot upgrades at Vanakbara in Diu and Jakhau in Gujarat. Under PMMSY, three Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbours are being built in Gujarat, Daman & Diu, and Puducherry with a total investment of ₹369.80 crore.
The FAO’s TCP on Blue Ports is designed to improve the technical capacity of fishing ports in India. The programme will support pilot projects at Vanakbara and Jakhau, focusing on investment planning and operational tools. Capacity building will also be undertaken for public and private stakeholders.