BFSc Student READY Programme & SCSP Packaging Training commenced at ICAR-CIFT, Kochi

Recognizing the pivotal role of food preservation and packaging in daily life, ICAR-CIFT launched two training programs on 7th August 2023. The 'Student READY' programme, spanning 54 days, is designed for BFSc students from the College of Fisheries, Raha, Assam, aiming to nurture entrepreneurial skills in undergraduates. The 5-day long training on 'Advanced Food Packaging Techniques and Quality Evaluation of Packaging Materials' under SCSP aims to provide hands-on experience in testing packaging materials and exposing participants to the latest trends in the food packaging sector. 

A total of 21 final-year graduate, post-graduate, and Ph.D. students, specializing in food science, fish processing, and fisheries science, and representing various colleges across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Haryana were selected to participate in the SCSP training programme. The 'Student READY' program will host 17 final-year BFSc students from the College of Fisheries, Raha, Assam. These students will have the opportunity to engage with various divisions of ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, gaining insights into fish harvest and post-harvest techniques, seafood quality assurance, microbiological safety of fish, nutritional importance of fish, extension techniques, and the role of statistics in fisheries research. 

During the inaugural function, Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, emphasized that proper preservation and packaging not only enhance public health but also hold the potential for a nation's economic development and reduction of food losses. Consequently, spreading awareness and knowledge about suitable post-harvest and packaging techniques becomes imperative. Dr. Bindu J., Head of the FP division, ICAR-CIFT, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the entrepreneurial prospects within the fish processing sector. She also underscored the criticality of rigorous packaging testing to ensure the safety and quality of materials in contact with food. Dr. Jeyakumari A., Senior Scientist and Course Coordinator, provided an introduction to the Student READY Programme, while Dr. Remya S., Senior Scientist and Course Coordinator, introduced the SCSP training programme. Miss Ajimoon Nissa, Assistant Professor at the College of Fisheries, Assam, extended felicitations, and Dr. V. Geethalakshmi, HoD (i/c), EIS Division, ICAR-CIFT, Cochin, proposed the vote of thanks."