CHENNAI: One can’t deny the fact that information about the height of waves, international border detection and tsunami warning systems could actually lead to a more efficient fishing, given that these information are available at fishermen’s fingertips. With the Fisher Friend mobile app, this is close to becoming a reality.
Around 1,000 fishermen from across 50 villages in Tamil Nadu have already been trained in the use of this application. The app was formally launched along with free distribution of 100 smartphones by the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) on Monday.
The Grameem Gyan Abhiyan, or Rural Knowledge Movement by the MSSRF, which is now in its ninth year, is looking at the mobile revolution beyond communication, for the benefit of the fishing community. The Fisher Friend app is also part of the movement to use Information Communication Technologies (ICT) for sustainable development. Conceived by MSSRF, developed by the software company Qualcomm and funded by Tata Consultancy Services, this service will be available in Tamil, Telugu and English.
The free app can be downloaded on an Android platform, and once the location of the person is detected either by GPS or manual input, the data in the app can be used to direct them about the weather conditions, strategic location for fishing, and more.
Speaking about how a society can be empowered with technology, Shawn Covell, the vice president of Qualcomm, said that a 10 per cent increase in mobile penetration can increase the per capita GDP by 0.8 per cent. “This model is also being replicated in other countries,” she said. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, added, “Farming and fishing are two fields that are highly vital to a country like India, and the fishermen are the ones who are most vulnerable to weather conditions. Efficient and safe fishing will save the fishermen and their livelihoods.”
To build community participation and induct people at the grassroots, the foundation also started the Jamsetji National Virtual Academy programme, the members (called Fellows) of which participated in the event. As many as 229 Fellows from 15 States of India and four international Fellows were conferred recognition on empowering communities by the Academy. “There is a vast amount of unrecognised capacity in the community, and this programme was started to give recognition to this potential,” said M S Swaminathan.