National Technology Day Celebrations at ICAR-CIFT

National Technology Day was celebrated on 11thand 12th of May 2017 at ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin. The two day programme commenced with the Inaugral session by the Dr. C N Ravishankar, Director, ICAR-CIFT who emphasized the  significance of Technology day by remembering that  it was on 11th May, 1998, India achieved a major technological breakthrough by successfully carrying out series of nuclear tests at Pokhran.This was followed by a scientific talk on ‘Advanced uses of polymers and special chemicals with focus on  space science application’ by Dr R.S. Rajeev, Scientist Engineer from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (ISRO), Trivandram.Dr Rajeev, gave an elaborating picture on use of polymers in space application especially in the areas like propulsion, solid rocket motor insulator, structures, space shuttles, thermal control paints, flame proof coatings, adhesives, and electronic circuits. He also outlined on the future areas of research like nano technology where it is possible to harness solar energy with better efficiency compared to the conventional photo-voltaic cells that can be used effectively for energy efficient fishing. ICAR-CIFT has already developed solar based refrigeration systems which  can further be made commercially cost effective by nano-enhanced Photo-voltaic cells. Also, nano based  coatings on the collector surafeces of solar dryers increaes the efficiecy of drying process. A two-day training programme was also conducted for fisherwomen from Kadamakudy village on ‘Fish drying and processing technologies’. The participants were trained in hygienic processing and drying of fishes using solar dryers. ICAR-CIFT has fabricated solar dryers with electricity, LPG and biomass backup which can handle bulk quantites of fish for drying. Also, they assure in year round drying of fish thereby generating regular income for fisher folks.The programme ended with formal valedictory session where in Dr. Suseela Mathew, Director in-charge distributed certificates to the participants. Dr. Manoj P Samuel, HOD Engg., Dr. A K Mohanty, HOD, EIS and Dr. V Geethalakshmi, Principal Scientist, EIS,emphasized to the participants on adoption of technologies trained during the programme. The programme was sponsored by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Trivandram.