Context:

India’s Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, recently has signed a Technical Cooperation Programme with the FAO to develop Blue Port infrastructure as part of the PMMSY initiative, aiming to modernize fisheries, improve post-harvest efficiency, and promote sustainable, tech-driven coastal infrastructure.

·        It supports pilot upgrades at Vanakbara and Jakhau ports, delivering capacity-building programs to promote sustainable fisheries port management.

About the Blue Port:

The Blue Ports Initiative is an FAO programme focusing on transforming fishing ports into sustainable hubs that serve economic, social, and environmental goals.

Key pillars include:

• • • Environmental Preservation: Waste management, marine debris removal, renewable energy, pollution control, climate resilience.
    • Market‑oriented Innovation: Traceability, enhanced value chain, improved trade standards, digital systems.
    • Social Welfare: Stakeholder participation, safety, inclusion of women, livelihoods for fishermen.

Key Features of the India‑Blue Ports Framework:

• • Pilot Harbours: Three fishing harbours are approved: Vanakbara (Diu), Jakhau (Gujarat), and Karaikal (Puducherry). Total investment ~ ₹369.8 crore.
  • Advanced Technologies: Integration of AI, 5G, IoT, sensor networks, satellite communication, digital platforms for real‑time monitoring, traceability, and efficient operations.
  • Eco‑friendly Infrastructure: Facilities for rainwater harvesting, energy‑efficient lighting, electric‑powered equipment, waste management, sewage treatment, marine debris clean‑ups.
  • Climate Resilience & Sustainability: Designs to withstand sea‑level rise, extreme weather events; ensuring operations are resilient, minimizing ecological damage.

Significance for India:

1.       Boosting Fisheries Sector & Blue Economy: It aligns with India’s goals under PMMSY and FIDF to modernize fisheries; better infrastructure leads to lower post‑harvest losses, more export‑oriented production; improved incomes for fishermen.

2.      Environmental Protection & Sustainability: Helps tackle pollution, marine debris, and overexploitation; contributes to SDG 14 (Life below Water).

3.      Technological Leap: Integration of emerging technologies can raise productivity, traceability, competitiveness in global seafood markets.

4.     Inclusive Growth: By ensuring safer, cleaner, stakeholder‑inclusive infrastructure, benefits reach smaller fishers, women, coastal communities.

5.     Global Alignment & Best Practices: Learning from FAO’s global repository (e.g. Port of Vigo etc.), adopting international benchmarks.

About FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP):

Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It provides on-demand technical expertise to member countries.
Purpose:

·         To help countries enhance food security and alleviate poverty.

·         To offer technical solutions in areas such as crop production, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, nutrition, food safety, and rural development.

·         It responds to national priorities as defined in the Country Programming Framework (CPF).

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship scheme launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
It is a five-year programme (2020–21 to 2024–25) with a total investment of ₹20,050 crore. The scheme has been extended until the financial year 2025-26 to continue promoting sustainable development and growth in India's fisheries sector.

·        Objective: To enhance fish production, modernize the fisheries value chain, ensure fisher welfare, and promote sustainability in the sector.

Conclusion:

The partnership between India and FAO marks a significant step towards developing world-class Blue Ports that will benefit the fisheries sector and promote sustainable development. By integrating smart technologies and eco-friendly infrastructure, India can enhance its fisheries sector's competitiveness while ensuring environmental sustainability and social equity