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 21st 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.
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