Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR CIFT)

TSP Programme at Shrivardhan, Maharashtra

Mumbai RC of ICAR-CIFT has conducted three days ‘Training cum Transfer of Technologies (ToT) programme for tribal fisherfolk under Tribal sub-plan (TSP) of Govt. of India at Shrivardhan, a marine fishing village in Raigad district of Maharashtra during 28-30 July, 2015. The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Adiwasi Koli Macchimar Vividh Karyakari Sahkari Sanstha Maryadit, Shrivardhan for transferring the suitable technologies developed by the institute to the tribal fisherfolk for betterment of their livelihood.

Adiwasi Koli Vividh Karyakari Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, Shrivardhan is a registered Society at Danda Koliwada, Tatuka Shrivardhan, Raigad district with 162 members. The Society is registered under the Maharashtra State Cooperative Society Act, 1960. The work area of the Society is to the extent of Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. Shri Pandurang Chaule is the Chairman of the Society. The objective of the Society is to buy boats for fishing and sell the fish the market. The Society is already buying and selling fish on commission basis from other fisherman. The Society has a diesel pump for supplying subsidized diesel to the boats of member fishermen. The Society has also entered into agreement with Sagarputra Kokan Macchimar Sahakari Sangh Ltd. to sell all export quality fish at pre-decided price.

The inauguration of the programme started with the welcome address by Shri Milind Bhatkar followed by an explanation on the role of CIFT under TSP for the socio-economic upliftment of the tribal fisherfolk in rural India by Smt. Priyanka Vichare. Shri Pandurang Chaule, President of the Society expressed his views and expectations from the programme. Dr. L.N. Murthy, Scientist Incharge of the Centre in his address explained the fisherfolk how the Centre has approached and selected the particular Society for the implementation of the programme and the opportunities available with the centre for the betterment of its members. He also discussed the importance of value added products and their market opportunities in the nearby areas as well as the possibilities of installation the Hygienic fish drying yard in the society area. Other technologies developed by the institute viz. insulated fish display cabinet, plastic fish drying sheets, foldable fish drying stands with mats, palm impression technique are also discussed with the participants. Participants clarified their doubts by interacting with the Scientist and Technical staff of the Centre

A demonstration of the solar fish dryer installed on the Society terrace was also conducted. Fisherwomen expressed positive response towards the demonstrated technology and also showed the readiness to make use of the same for drying fish, vegetables, locally available betel nut fruits and mango pulp.

Demonstration of hygienic handling of fish to the participants was also conducted. They were shown how to remove the head, scales and fins and how to hold the fish for proper cutting of the fillet to get high yield. In this demonstration participants were provided with the aprons, gloves, mouth pieces, and headcaps, cutting boards and knives and were allowed to handle the fish and cut the fillets by their own.

Fish pickle preparation and packing was done participatively by the fishermen as per the standard procedure recommended by the institute.

On the second day preparation of battered and breaded fish products like fish fingers and fish cutlets was done. On the third day fish processing equipments such as insulated fish boxes, insulated fish bags, sealing machines, hand operated meat mincers, digital weighing balance etc. were distributed by Dr. L.N. Murthy along with other team members. Dr. A. Jeyakumari and Shri Waghmare demonstrated the operation of Hand operated meat mincer. Smt. Priyanka Vichare explained the use of insulated fish boxes and insulated fish bags. ShriPandurang Chaule gave his feedback about the overall programme and highlighted the usefulness of the provided material for the tribal community. The programme ended with the closing address by Dr. L.N. Murthy.