Training program on “Pre-processing and drying of fish”

The hands-on training on ‘Pre-processing and drying of fish’ was conducted for two days from 15 to 16^th October 2024 at the Engineering Section, ICAR-CIFT. This training programme was sponsored by ICAR for SC candidates under Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan. Twenty-six SC candidates from different parts of Kerala participated in this training. The training was conducted to develop skills in the pre-processing and drying of fish for small-scale farmers or entrepreneurs. The training was inaugurated by Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT on 15^th October 2024. During the inaugural session, an MoU was signed between the start-up named DRYZZA (C/o, Ms. Subadra) and ICAR-CIFT for the technical know-how on dry fish processing and the establishment of a solar hybrid dryer. The training covered various aspects related to fish handling, pre-processing, drying, quality evaluation, storage, packaging of dried fish, entrepreneurship opportunities, Government schemes for entrepreneurs, and success stories. The working of machinery such as hybrid solar dryers, refrigerated fish vending kiosks, fish descaling machines, etc. was explained to the participants during the practical sessions. The training course also exposed the participants to various labs, workshop and pilot plant to attain practical knowledge. The training certificates were distributed by Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT in the presence of other officials of ICAR-CIFT on 16^th October during the valedictory session. Dr. Suresh A, Principal Scientist, EIS Division & Nodal officer SCSP made a special remark during the session.