ICAR-CIFT Hosts Industry Meet in Conjunction with National Seminar on Aqua Food Excellence

The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) organized an Industry Meet as part of the National Seminar on "Aqua Food Excellence: Innovations in Post-Harvest Fisheries." The event brought together esteemed speakers from diverse sectors, including government officials, industry leaders, and researchers, fostering dialogue on the latest innovations and strategies in the post-harvest fisheries sector. The Meet was co-ordinated by the Zonal Technology Management – Agribusiness Incubation Centre of ICAR-CIFT.

In his opening remarks, Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, emphasized the critical role of industry-academia collaboration in promoting sustainable fisheries and advancing value addition in seafood products.

The event began with a presentation by Dr. C.O. Mohan, Principal Scientist at ICAR-CIFT, on promoting the institute's innovative technologies through the Agribusiness Incubation Centre. Dr. Mohan showcased ICAR-CIFT’s latest advancements in post-harvest fisheries and their contribution to value addition and commercialization efforts within the industry.

Among the distinguished speakers, Dr. K. Mohammed Koya, Fisheries Development Commissioner, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, highlighted key policy interventions and government programs aimed at enhancing value addition in the fisheries sector. His address underscored the government’s commitment to the sector’s sustainable growth and improving fishermen’s livelihoods.

Mr. Anil Kumar P., Joint Director of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), discussed strategies for overcoming non-tariff trade barriers to achieve excellence in the global seafood market. He emphasized the importance of post-harvest handling and value-added products in maintaining competitiveness in international markets.

The meet also featured discussions on regulatory frameworks, with Mr. R. Yathava Moorthi, Assistant Director at the Export Inspection Agency, detailing initiatives for achieving global seafood market excellence through rigorous inspection and certification standards.

Industry experts, including Mr. Faraz Javeed, CEO of Abad Foods, and Mr. Rajesh K., Chief Quality and Sustainability Officer at Licious, shared insights on market trends, consumer preferences, and sustainable practices within the seafood supply chain. Their presentations highlighted the growing demand for value-added products and the importance of responsible supply chain management in ensuring food safety and sustainability.

An insightful presentation by Ms. Smitha S., Quality Assurance Manager at RF Exports on ‘Challenges and Opportunities in Exploring Value-Added Seafood Products’ addressed the complexities of maintaining high-quality standards in seafood production, with a focus on the importance of rigorous quality assurance processes.

The Industry Meet served as a platform for meaningful exchanges between key stakeholders, reaffirming ICAR-CIFT's commitment to leading innovations in post-harvest fisheries while addressing industry challenges and exploring new business opportunities.