Odisha launches app for real-time weather news to fishermen

The fisherfolks venturing into the deep sea are vulnerable to the forces of nature and need to keep updated about climatic conditions. Doing precisely this is the Secure Fishing App which was launched by the Odisha Government and the World Food Programme of United Nations on Friday.

The mobile app has been developed by WFP in tandem with the State’s Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department.

By providing fishers access to critical and near real time tailored climate and ocean state information services, the app will help in reducing their vulnerabilities, increase their income and help to achieve their food security.

Commenting on the app, R.P. Swain, the Odisha Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment said: “The Secure Fishing App is focused on the coastal fishing communities to improve their safety, resilience and daily catch as they are among the most vulnerable groups. The application will also be very useful for the officials from the fisheries department.”

The Government officers will use this web-based dashboard to track activities of the fishery sector with the aim to make informed decisions to take care of the needs of the fishers in a holistic manner.

Seeking to empower the fisherfolks, the app intends to provide information, insights and analytics that directly contribute to their livelihood.