From Waters to Wings: Transforming Fish Transport through Aquacopter Innovation

11–13 April 2026, Barrackpore

At the prestigious Unnat Krishi Mahotsav 2026 held in Raisen, a remarkable advancement in India’s fisheries sector emerged as a highlight among numerous innovations. A heavy-payload fish transport drone termed the Aquacopter captured widespread attention for its potential to revolutionize fish logistics from remote catch points to markets.

Developed by ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, the Aquacopter addresses a critical challenge in inland fisheries. Across India, fish landing centres are often located in geographically isolated delta regions and large reservoirs, where transportation remains slow, labour-intensive, and prone to quality degradation.

The live demonstration during the Mahotsav attracted strong interest from farmers, policymakers, and scientific leaders. The event was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who visited the exhibit and appreciated its potential to address longstanding logistical constraints. The innovation was also noted by Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR and other national science leaders.

Highlighting its significance, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, stated that the Aquacopter is not merely a technological development but a transformative enabler for the blue economy. By facilitating rapid and low-stress transportation from remote water bodies to markets, it minimizes post-harvest losses, preserves fish quality, and enhances farmers’ income, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and future-ready fisheries ecosystem.

With a payload capacity of up to 70 kg and an operational range of approximately 5 km, the drone effectively bridges logistical gaps in fish transportation. Its ability to perform efficient, point-to-point delivery with minimal human intervention even incorporating planned battery halts demonstrates the emergence of smart aquaculture logistics. Supported by the National Fisheries Development Board under the Department of Fisheries, this initiative exemplifies technology-driven transformation in the sector.

The Mahotsav, attended by thousands of farmers from across the country, served as a vital platform for both showcasing and encouraging the adoption of such innovations. Participants witnessed how drone-enabled transport can ensure faster delivery, reduce post-harvest losses, maintain product quality, and improve market realization.

This pilot initiative represents more than technological progress it offers a lifeline to remote fishing communities by strengthening their access to markets and improving livelihoods. By reducing delays and minimizing handling stress on live fish, the Aquacopter ensures freshness and higher value realization.

As India advances toward a technology-enabled and sustainable agricultural future, innovations like the Aquacopter are poised to play a pivotal role. Its success at Unnat Krishi Mahotsav 2026 stands as a powerful testament to how scientific innovation, when aligned with grassroots challenges, can drive meaningful transformation across sectors.

(Source: ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore)