ICAR-CIFT hosted AARDO sponsored International training programme concludes in a successful note

An international training programme on “Recent Technological Developments in Fisheries: Pre and Post-Harvest Operations” hosted by ICAR-CIFT, Cochin under the auspices of African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), New Delhi during 12-19 December, 2022 was concluded in a successful note on 19 December, 2022. Ten participants form 10 different AARDO member countries namely Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, India, Malaysia, Oman, Sudan, Tunisia, Zambia and Bangladesh were attended the training programme.

On 12 December, 2022; the programme was inaugurated by honourable Secretary General, AARDO Dr Manoj Nardeosingh as Chief Guest along with Dr. A. Gopalkrishnan, Director, ICAR-CMFRI as Guest of Honour. The function was presided over by Dr. Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT in presence of the Course Coordinators namely Dr A. K. Mohanty, Head, EIS Division; Dr Bindu J., Head, Fish Processing Division and Dr Ramesan M.P., Principal Scientist, Fishing Technology Division, ICAR-CIFT.

In his inaugural address, Dr Manoj Nardeosigh, Secretary General, AARDO showered encomiums for the commendable contributions of ICAR-CIFT in strengthening the fisheries value chain in India and advised the participants to suggest some apt technologies suitable for their country, so that AARDO platform can be used for technology transfer across the boundaries through international collaboration protocols.

Presiding over the inaugural function, Dr George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT said, “Global fishery is gaining policy attention day by day owing to its potential for providing food and nutrition for the small farm holders, in addition to its livelihood implications on large-scale fisher community. The sector has established its dominance in the socio-economic growth of many developing economies by providing opportunities for income and employment generation across the value chain.” Dr A. Gopalkrishnan, Director, ICAR-CMFRI also delivered his felicitation address as Guest of Honour.

The valedictory function of the programme was graced by Dr. M. Karthikeyan, Director, MPEDA as Chief Guest in presence of Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, who presided over the function. Highlighting the overwhelming export potential of fishery sector of India, the Chief Guest Dr. Karthikeyan lauded the role of CIFT in strengthening the Indian fish export. The participants, in their feedback highly cherished the importance of such training programme and expected a strong technical cooperation of their country with ICAR-CIFT for its high-end technologies.  During the valedictory function, Dr. AK Mohanty, Head, Extension Division and Dr. J Bindu Head, FP Division, CIFT offered welcome address and vote of thanks respectively. Dr. Sajesh V K Senior Scientist, CIFT, presented the training report.