The ministry of fisheries and livestock (MoFL) has adopted a master plan to boost the two sectors with a view to achieving the government's Vision 2021, officials said.
The roadmap will also help ensure full automation of the ministry's activities and step up the government efforts to explore blue economy.
Under the plan, the MoFL has already completed the establishment of a 'digital service design lab' to implement the Vision 2021.
"As part of the master plan, we (MoFL) completed the 'digital service design lab' to bring dynamism in the ministry's activities and provide faster services for people," joint secretary (blue economy) of the MoFL Md Towfiqul Arif told the FE.
This design lab will allow people to get all services online, he said.
Besides, it will also help the ministry supervise all its departments as well as reinforce the government's efforts to harness the full potential of marine resources under the 'blue economy' programme.
The automation system will provide all kinds of information, including weather warning, to fishermen engaged in fishing in deep sea of the Bay of Bengal.
Asked when the automation system will start working, the official said the ministry will soon invite tenders to procure software for the lab.
State minister for fisheries and livestock Md Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru and high officials of the ministry saw the final presentation of the digital service design lab last week, he added.
Mr Arif said that the stakeholders in the fisheries sector will be benefited immensely once the automation system is in place.
Over 11 per cent of the total population of Bangladesh is involved with fisheries sector for their livelihoods, according to the ministry.
Bangladesh is one of the world's leading fish producing countries. In fiscal year (FY) 2017-18, the country saw a total production of 4.27 million metric tonnes.
The sector contributes 3.57 per cent to the national gross domestic product (GDP) and more than one-fourth (25.30 per cent) to agricultural GDP.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com