India and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have joined hands to make Vanakbara, Karaikal, and Jakhau world-class blue ports. A total investment of Rs 369.8 crore has been approved for these three pilot ports.

India and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have joined hands to make world-class blue ports. Three pilot ports named Vanakbara in Diu, Karaikal in Puducherry, and Jakhau in Gujarat have been approved with a total investment of Rs 369.8 crore.
The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has signed a technical cooperation program agreement with FAO to strengthen blue port infrastructure in India.

First webinar on world-class blue ports

In this series, the Department of Fisheries organized the first webinar on September 18, 2025. Addressing the participants of the webinar, Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi reiterated the government’s vision to develop ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially inclusive fisheries systems to strengthen national food and nutrition security.
FAO’s Technical Cooperation Program (TCP) on ‘Strengthening Blue Ports’ intends to assist the Government of India in strengthening the technical capabilities of fishing ports to address key environmental, social, and economic challenges affecting the aquatic value chain.
He highlighted the role of advanced technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms in enhancing efficiency and service delivery at fishing ports.
Under the Blue Ports framework, the Department of Fisheries is leading the development of smart and integrated fishing ports that combine technological innovation with environmental conservation.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

It is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works internationally to end hunger. It is headquartered in Rome (Italy) and celebrates World Food Day every year on October 16, the anniversary of its founding in 1945.
It focuses on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and resource management, but food relief work is carried out by the World Food Programme.
Major reports include The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO), The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI), and The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA).