ICAR-CIFT and State Seed Farm Collaborate for Farmers' Meet at Okkal Farm Fest 2025

The ICAR-CIFT, Cochin, in collaboration with the State Seed Farm, Okkal, organized a Farmers' Meet & Field Demonstration on Converting Fish Market Waste to Aquafeed and Manure today at the Okkal Farm Fest 2025 under the Swachhta Action Plan (SAP). The event aimed to foster discussions on sustainable agricultural practices by bringing together farmers, scientists, and agricultural experts. Dr. George Ninan, Director of CIFT, presided over the function, highlighting the institute’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability in the fisheries sector through various initiatives under the Swachhta Action Plan (SAP).

An MoU was formally handed over by Dr. George Ninan, Director of CIFT, for joint collaboration in waste management to Shri Philip G., Senior Agriculture Officer, during the program. CIFT scientists Dr. Binsi P.K. and Dr. A. Jayakumari provided insights into the production process of converting fish market waste into aquafeed and manure, demonstrating its potential benefits for farmers. Following the session, Dr. Zynudheen A.A., Principal Scientist at ICAR-CIFT, along with other CIFT scientists, engaged with farmers, answering their queries and providing expert guidance on the technologies developed by CIFT.

Dr. Geethalakshmi V., Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer (SAP) at ICAR-CIFT, and Shri Philip G., Senior Agriculture Officer, Department of Agriculture, also spoke at the program. The event witnessed the participation of around 60 farmers and agricultural officers, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable waste management and resource optimization in the fisheries and agriculture sectors.