Dr. T. Janakiram, ADG Horticultural Science visits ICAR-CIFT

Dr. T.Janakiram, Assistant Director General (Horticulture Science-I), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi along with Dr.NirmalBabu K., Director, ICAR-IISR, Calicut and Dr. T.E.Sheeja, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IISR visited National Reference/Referral Laboratory Facility at ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin on 13 July 2019. During the visit, he enquired about the NRL activities and interacted with scientistsregarding the analysis/ testing of various safety parameters in accordance with ISO 17025, validation of analytical methods related to food safety issues. Dr.Satyen Kumar Panda, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFT briefed the research activities of NRL and highlighted the state-of-the art facilities created for surveillance and monitoring of food safety hazards associated with fish and fishery products. As a matter of fact, due to establishment of this unique facility with the assistance of FSSAI, Govt. of India; ICAR-CIFT, Cochin is internationally acclaimed as the pioneer research organization in dealing with food safety issues in case of fish and fishery products and involves in capacity building of scientists and food safety officers at national level. Dr.T. Janakiram, ADG (Hort.) and Dr.NirmalBabu, Director, ICAR-IISR highly appreciated the efforts of ICAR-CIFT in creating and managing such a magnificent modern facility. Dr.Janakiramemphasized upon collaborative research cutting across different subject matter divisions for optimal utilization of facilities. He articulated for greater coherence between ICAR and FSSAI for establishment of network of laboratories at different research institutes for various segments of food. During the interaction ICAR-CIFT scientists namely, Dr.Niladri Chatterjee, Dr. Pankaj Kishore, Dr.Anuj Kumar, Dr.DevanandaUchoi were also presentthere and explained their research activities.