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Gujarat's Smart Blue Harbours: How They Boost Fisheries and Food Security

Gujarat is taking a major step forward for its coastal communities by launching smart Blue Harbours. This initiative, done in partnership with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, aims to modernize fishing infrastructure. Key harbours like Jakhau in Kutch will be upgraded to boost the local economy and India's position in global seafood markets. The upcoming Vibrant Gujarat conference will further highlight the state's commitment to a sustainable and prosperous blue economy.

Key Points: Gujarat Launches Smart Blue Harbours to Boost Fisheries Economy

  • New FAO partnership pilots smart harbours at Jakhau, Vanakbara, and Karaikal
  • INR 452 crore PMMSY investment for integrated fishing infrastructure
  • Jakhau Harbour is a key hub for fish landing and coastal security in Kutch
  • Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026 to focus on Kutch, Saurashtra blue economy
3 min read

Gujarat launches smart blue Harbours to boost fisheries, food security, and coastal economy

Gujarat launches smart Blue Harbours in partnership with FAO to boost fisheries, enhance food security, and strengthen India's coastal economy and global seafood competitiveness.

"Gujarat's leadership in building ecologically resilient, economically robust, and socially inclusive Blue Harbours will enhance national food security - Gujarat CMO Release"

Gandhinagar, December 8

Fishing Harbours on Monday serve not merely as physical infrastructure but as strategic gateways to economic and community prosperity. Gujarat's leadership in building ecologically resilient, economically robust, and socially inclusive Blue Harbours will enhance national food security and strengthen India's competitiveness in global seafood markets, the release said.

According to the Gujarat Chief Minister Office (CMO), the Government of India has taken a significant step toward strengthening coastal infrastructure and advancing the nation's Blue Economy with the launch of a strategic partnership between the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. A newly signed Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) will enable MoFAHD to pilot world-class Blue Harbours at Jakhau in Gujarat, Vanakbara in Diu, and Karaikal in Puducherry, establishing a national model for smart, sustainable, and inclusive fisheries development.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Government has initiated the development of Smart and Integrated Fishing Infrastructure with a total investment of INR 452.32 crores.

Jakhau Harbour, located in Kutch district on Gujarat's western coastline, is one of the state's most significant fisheries hubs managed by the Commissioner of Fisheries (COF). This Harbour holds strategic importance for both maritime livelihoods and coastal security. Serving thousands of fishermen from Kutch and neighbouring regions, Jakhau functions as a key centre for fish landing, vessel anchoring, and post-harvest activities, supported by essential facilities such as jetties, repair areas, and storage systems.

The release stated that the Harbour has recently been included under the government's "Blue Revolution" development initiative, aimed at strengthening modern fisheries infrastructure and enhancing operational capacity. Jakhau continues to play a vital role in Gujarat's coastal economy and blue growth vision.

The upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) will be held in Rajkot in the second week of January 2026, reaffirming the state's commitment to sustainable coastal development and maritime advancement. The second edition of VGRC will place special emphasis on the Kutch and Saurashtra regions, known for their rich fisheries and for their strategically important fishing harbours and coastal infrastructure that serve as vital gateways for marine fisheries activities, value-chain logistics, and sustainable blue-economy practices.

The conference will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, domain experts, and key stakeholders to deliberate on emerging technologies, global best practices, and investment opportunities in the maritime and fisheries sectors. It will also highlight Gujarat's pivotal role in driving India's Blue Economy through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great to see focus on sustainable development. My uncle is a fisherman in Jakhau, and the current infrastructure is quite basic. Hope this project brings real change on the ground and improves their daily lives, not just on paper.
R
Rohit P
Investing over 450 crores is a big deal. Hope the money is used efficiently and there's no corruption. We need transparency in such large projects. The partnership with FAO is a good step for global standards.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in sustainable development, I'm impressed by the integrated approach. Combining food security, economic growth, and ecological resilience is the way forward. Looking forward to seeing the outcomes of the VGRC conference.
V
Vikram M
This will definitely strengthen our coastal security as well. Jakhau is a strategic location. Modern harbours mean better monitoring and safety for our fishermen who often face challenges. A much-needed project.
K
Karthik V
While the plan sounds good, I hope they involve the local fishing communities in the planning. Top-down approaches often fail. The 'inclusive growth' mentioned needs to be real, with training and support for existing fishermen to adapt to new technologies.

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