India’s Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has signed a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to strengthen Blue Port infrastructure across the country.

As part of the initiative, the DoF hosted the first in a series of three webinars and physical workshops focused on capacity building and global best practices. The webinar, themed “Foundations of a Blue Port: Generating Value in Fishing Ports,” featured addresses from Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, DoF, and Mr. Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative in India.

Dr. Likhi highlighted fishing ports as strategic hubs for economic growth, ecological sustainability, and social inclusion. He stressed integrating advanced technologies like AI, 5G, and automation to enhance efficiency and service delivery. He also noted the development of three Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbours in Gujarat, Daman & Diu, and Puducherry under PMMSY with an investment of ?369.80 crore, and welcomed FAO’s support for upgrades at Vanakbara (Diu) and Jakhau (Gujarat).

FAO experts presented on sustainable “Blue Ports” practices, including case studies such as Spain’s Port of Vigo, and discussed strategies for climate resilience, traceability, and energy transition. Senior officials from FAO, Indian states, maritime boards, port authorities, fisheries cooperatives, and international experts also participated.

Under the Blue Ports framework, Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbours will combine technology, eco-friendly infrastructure, and real-time decision-making systems to modernize post-harvest fisheries infrastructure, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable, technology-driven growth in India’s fisheries sector.