Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR CIFT)

Training on Harvest and Post Harvest Technologies

Visakhapatnam Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT conducted a three day Training cum Demonstration Programme on Harvest and Post Harvest Technologies under Tribal Sub Plan, Government of India at Thoubal District of Manipur during 24-26 February, 2016. Fifty tribal beneficiaries belonging to Thoubal district and Loktok village attended the programme. The programme was arranged in collaboration with Krishi Vighnana Kendra, Thoubal, Manipur. In the inaugural address on 24^th February Dr. Thou Thou, Incharge of KVK welcomed the participants. Dr. G. Rajeswari, Scientist Incharge of the Centre explained the NEH programmes undertaken by ICAR-CIFT for the development of freshwater fisheries sector of North Eastern Hill region in harvest and post harvest aspects. Dr. R. Raghu Prakash, Principal Scientist delivered a lecture on ‘Responsible and selective fishing practices for reservoir and inland water bodies’. Kum. Mandakini Devi, Scientist explained about different value added products developed from fish at the Institute. Shri Bedajit, Subject Matter Specialist, KVK introduced the participants and delivered vote of thanks.

After the inaugural session practical demonstrations were given on fabrication and operation of gillnets, stick held drag nets and foldable fish traps. The post harvest training schedules covered aspects of hygienic handling of fish and preparation of value added products such as fish pickles, fish cutlets, fish balls, fish salting and drying etc. In the post harvest demonstration session Kum. Mandakini Devi explained the use of insulated ice bags, ice boxes, meat mincers and heat sealers to the beneficiaries and also demonstrated the preparation of value added products from freshwater fish. Shri B.K. Panda and Shri B. Pradhan, Asst. Chief Tech. Officers assisted in the gear demonstration and in preparation of value added products.

At the end of the programme foldable traps, drag nets, gillnets and equipments for the preparation of value added products and packing of the materials were distributed. Around 50 fishermen benefitted through the training programme. They have expressed high satisfaction during the feedback session.