Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR CIFT)

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ICAR-CIFT organizes one day awareness program on ‘Importance of Fish in Diet’ at Jowai, Meghalaya

Shri Ram Singh, IAS, Chief Guest addressing the audience

Commemorating World Fisheries Day, ICAR-CIFT, Kochi organized a one day awareness program on "The Importance of Fish in Diet" at Jowai, Meghalaya on 21^st November, 2016. The program was jointly organized by ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, ICAR-RC for NEH, Meghalaya, Department of Fisheries, Meghalaya and Office of Deputy Commissioner (DC), West Jaintia Hills District. The program was organized at the Conference Hall of the office of the DC, Jowai, Government of Meghalaya. The program was originally planned for 20 participants, but was attended by 59 participants. The participants included women and men fishers of Umladhkur and Thangbuli, Amlarem sub divisions, District Rural Development Authority Officials, Officials of Department of Fisheries, Meghalaya, academicians, officers of Integrated Child Development Scheme and a few entrepreneurs. Shri Ram Singh, IAS, Director of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya was the Chief Guest. The program started with welcome address by Dr. Suseela Mathew, Head, Biochemistry & Nutrition Division of ICAR-CIFT. During her address, she mentioned different technological advancements made by ICAR-CIFT specially taking into considerations the needs of women-fishers.

Presidential address was delivered by Shri Arunkumar, Kembhavi, IAS, DC, West Jaintia Hills District, Jowai. In his address, he lauded the efforts made by ICAR-CIFT and he appreciated all the programs conducted by ICAR-CIFT especially the development of fisheries of W.J.H. District. He said the present program is very important for not only fishers but for people from all walks of life. Felicitations were offered by Dr. S.K. Das, Principal Scientist & Head, Fisheries Department, Meghalaya, Shri D.M. Wallang, ADG, Project Director, DRDA, Jowai, Dr. M.M. Prasad, Principal Scientist & Head, Microbiology, Fermentation & Biotechnology Division, ICAR-CIFT, Kochi and Shri B.K. Sohliya, OSD, MIE.

The publication "Importance of Fish in Diet" was released on this occasion. The manual contained articles starting from aquatic resources in Meghalaya, different methods of traditional harvesting of fish from different aquatic resources, post harvest handling of fishes and different types of equipments used for processing, smoke-curing of fish by traditional methods and their improvisation based on technological innovations, fermented fish from NEH region, nutritional importance of fish, the need for the fortification of fish products for better health and to combat malnutrition. ICAR-RC for NEH Region, the organizing partner of the program has given fish seed on gratis to progressive fishers of Meghalaya. The same seed was also released in Thadleslkeain lake by the dignitaries commemorating World Fisheries Day. The fish soup fortified with calcium and iron was distributed to all dignitaries. Everybody appreciated the taste and consistency of soup. Dr. K.K. Asha, Scientist, ICAR-CIFT proposed vote of thanks.

A quiz program based on nutritional importance of fish was conducted among the participants. In the concluding session, District Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya presided over the function. Feedback from participants was highly positive. Winners of Quiz competition were given prizes. Participation certificates were awarded by DC, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya to all participants. After the concluding session, a special meeting under the leadership of DC, West Jaintia Hills District was held with ICDS officials and Health Department to chalk out a one month program of distributing fortified fish soup to 57 adolescent girls selected to improve their hemoglobin levels and health status. A concrete program was finalized and the soup powder made by ICAR-CIFT was handed over to the officials of the District Commissioner's office and ICDS officials.

Shri Arunkumar Kembhavi, IAS in discussion

Prize distribution to Quiz winner