India and FAO Partner to Develop Blue Port Infrastructure through Technical Cooperation Programme.

On September 19, 2025, the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, launched the Blue Port Development Initiative under the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP). This initiative aims to transform India’s fishing harbours into smart, sustainable, and technology-driven Blue Ports.

      - The Government of India approved pilot projects for developing three smart and integrated fishing harbours in Vanakbara (Diu), Jakhau (Gujarat), and Karaikal (Puducherry), with a total sanctioned investment of Rs. 369.8 crores, marking the first step towards large-scale Blue Port infrastructure.

      - Under the TCP framework, FAO will provide critical support in planning, design, management, and capacity building. This partnership will align India’s harbour modernization with international best practices in sustainable fisheries and global standards of environmental management.

Main Point :-   (i) The Blue Ports will be equipped with modern technologies such as 5th Generation (5G) connectivity, AI, automation systems, digital platforms, satellite-based navigation, and sensor-driven monitoring, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and safety in port operations.

      (ii) Aligned with the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), these ports will adopt eco-friendly modernization, ensuring sustainable practices, improved resource management, and a boost to India’s fisheries export potential.

(iii) The Blue Port model will feature renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, waste management, advanced cold chain and logistics to cut post-harvest losses, along with training programmes for fishermen, cooperatives, and harbour operators.
About Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)