India and FAO collaborate to develop world-class Blue Ports

First webinar on capacity-building highlights smart technologies, sustainability, and inclusive growth

The Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations under a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) to strengthen India’s Blue Port infrastructure. As part of the initiative, the DoF hosted the first webinar in a capacity-building series, focusing on the theme “Foundations of a Blue Port: Generating Value in Fishing Ports.”

Addressing the session, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, DoF, underlined that fishing ports serve as gateways to economic prosperity, ecological sustainability, and social inclusion. He emphasized the role of AI, 5G, automation, and digital platforms in transforming fishing harbours into smart, integrated hubs. Dr. Likhi also noted the progress of three Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbours at Gujarat, Daman & Diu, and Puducherry, with an investment of ₹369.8 crores under PMMSY.

FAO experts presented the global Blue Ports framework, showcasing best practices, case studies like the Port of Vigo in Spain, and strategies for climate resilience, traceability, and energy transition. Participants included representatives from FAO, international ports, state governments, maritime boards, and fisheries cooperatives.

The collaboration aims to make India’s fishing harbours sustainable, technology-driven, and globally competitive, while boosting livelihoods, exports, and food security.