Historic Digital Milestone in Fisheries Sector
India’s First Fully Digitised Marine Fisheries Census 2025: India has entered a new digital era in fisheries governance with the launch of the first fully digitised National Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025. The initiative was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, George Kurian, at the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi, Kerala. This marks a transformative move towards data-driven decision-making in the marine sector.
Static GK fact: The first Marine Fisheries Census in India was conducted in 1973 by the CMFRI.
A Nationwide Digital Enumeration Drive
The census will be conducted over 45 days, from November 3 to December 18, 2025, encompassing 1.2 million fisher households across 4,000 marine fishing villages in nine coastal states and four Union Territories. Trained field staff equipped with digital tools will ensure comprehensive and accurate enumeration, marking a shift from manual data collection to technology-based real-time monitoring.
Static GK Tip: India has a coastline stretching over 7,500 km, supporting one of the world’s largest marine fishing communities.
VyAS Bharat and VyAS Sutra Bring Real-Time Digital Monitoring
The core of MFC 2025 lies in its digital backbone — two custom-built mobile applications, VyAS Bharat and VyAS Sutra, developed by CMFRI. These tools enable geo-referenced data collection, instant verification, and centralised digital monitoring. During the launch, live data streaming from Kerala and Maharashtra showcased the system’s efficiency.
This innovation ensures every fisher household is digitally recorded, enhancing transparency and policy efficiency in marine resource management.
Integration with National Fisheries Digital Platform
All fishermen and fish workers are being registered on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) — a prerequisite to avail benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY). The NFDP acts as a central repository linking every stakeholder in India’s marine ecosystem.
The census also aligns with the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which focuses on modernisation, sustainable growth, and welfare of fisher communities.
Static GK fact: PMMSY was launched in 2020 with a total investment of ₹20,050 crore to enhance fish production and double fishers’ income.
A Smart Census for Smarter Fisheries
The Department of Fisheries (DoF), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, coordinates the entire census operation. CMFRI serves as the nodal agency, while the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) is the operational partner.
Minister George Kurian described the initiative as a “Smart Census for Smarter Fisheries,” encouraging cooperation from state fisheries departments, local bodies, and community organisations. The census will form the foundation for targeted welfare schemes, accurate policy design, and sustainable marine management in the years ahead.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s First Fully Digitised Marine Fisheries Census 2025:
| Topic | Detail |
| Launch Year | 2025 |
| Launch Location | ICAR–CMFRI, Kochi, Kerala |
| Launched By | George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries |
| Duration | November 3 to December 18, 2025 |
| Total Fisher Households Covered | 1.2 million |
| Total Fishing Villages | 4,000 |
| Coastal States Covered | 9 states and 4 Union Territories |
| Mobile Apps Used | VyAS Bharat and VyAS Sutra |
| Coordinating Agency | Department of Fisheries (DoF) |
| Nodal Agency | CMFRI |
| Operational Partner | Fishery Survey of India (FSI) |
| Linked Scheme | PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) |
| Digital Platform | National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) |
| Objective | Data-driven fisheries management |
| Key Phrase | “Smart Census for Smarter Fisheries” |
