Shri. George Kurian, Union Minister of State, Launches ‘Blue Pearl,’ a New Fish Farmer Producer Company in Kodungallur

Kodungallur, In a significant step towards advancing livelihoods and incomes in the fisheries sector, Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Minority Affairs inaugurated the ‘Blue Pearl’ Fish Farmer Producer Company (FFPO), at the Municipal Town Hall in Kodungallur today. This new initiative, for which ICAR-CIFT is the partner Institute is supported by NABARD and aims to empower cage farmers and other allied stakeholders to enhance income.

In his inaugural address, Shri George Kurian highlighted the rapid growth of the fisheries sector, noting, “The fisheries sector is booming and is rightly regarded as the sunrise sector of our economy.” He commended the establishment of the FFPO as a commendable initiative, supported by the government, that will drive growth and empower local fish farmers. The minister also outlined several central government schemes dedicated to strengthening the fisheries sector. He also released the logo of the FFPO and handed over the share certificate to shareholders of Blue Pearl FFPO. Adv. VS Dhinil, Vice chairman, Kodungallur Muncipality presided over the function. 

A Memorandum of Agreements (MoA) were exchanged between ICAR –CIFT and seven Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) from Kerala and Andhra Pradesh for technical support in their activities.

A demonstration for technical guidance and support, along with fish value addition training sessions, mini-expo, and entrepreneurs meet, was also organized as part of the inaugural function. 

Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT; Dr. Ashaletha S., Principal Scientist and Project Lead at ICAR-CIFT; Sebin Antony, DDM, NABARD and other dignitaries also spoke.