Training on CIFT-Solar dryer for Sidhi Tribes

A Training cum demonstration programme on “Production of Improved Quality Dried Fish using Solar Dryer “was organized at Veraval Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT during 9-12 February 2015. The beneficiary of the training was tribal fisherfolk from “Bharat Adim Juth Matsyadhyog Sahkari Mandali” (Reg.No.1986/97), a society formed for the welfare of “Siddi tribes from Talala region near Veraval, Gujarat. The training was organized under Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).

The inaugural session of the programme was presided over by Dr. G. K. Sivaraman, Senior Scientist and SIC of ICAR-CIFT Veraval Research Centre. Dr. Sivaraman briefed the technologies available with ICAR-CIFT and the need of training to the tribal people for their welfare. Dr. A. K. Jha, Scientist welcomed the gathering. Shri Jeyapalan, Deputy Director, EIA, Shri Hakkim, Assistant Director, MPEDA and Shri Mohammad Koya, SIC of ICAR-CMFRI, Veraval Centre offered felicitations. In their felicitation they dealt on need for good quality dried fish for Exports and the importance of quality for better price realization. Dr. Jha proposed the vote of thanks.

During the training programme the faculty of VRC of ICAR-CIFT, Smt. V. Renuka, Dr. A. K. Jha, Smt. S. Remya, Shri V. Chandrasekar and Dr. K. K. Prajith gave hands on training to the participants regarding Good manufacturing practices for dry fish, Salt curing of fish by hygienic and scientific methods, Economic as well as operational procedure of solar dryer etc.  During the training emphasis was given on practical class oriented towards skill development.

In the valedictory function, Dr. G. K. Sivaraman, SIC of ICAR-CIFT Veraval welcomed the gathering. Shri Jeyapalan, Deputy Director, EIA was the Chief Guest. Shri Jeyabal, Deputy Director, MPEDA and Shri Mohammad Koya, SIC of ICAR-CMFRI, Veraval Centre also graced the occasion with their presence. Smt. Renuka proposed the vote of thanks. A brochure prepared on local language titled “Solar Dryer- An improved & hygienic method of fish drying” distributed among the participants. An interactive session of faculty with the trainees was arranged and feedback was also obtained at the end of programme.