Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR CIFT)

TSP programme at Siltiguda, Odisha

Tribal Sub Plan programme at Siltiguda, Odisha

The Visakhapatnam Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT conducted a one day TSP Training cum Demonstration (TCD) on “Harvest and Post Harvest Technologies” on 20^th July 2015 at Siltiguda, Rayagada District Odisha. This was a follow-up of TSP-TCD on “Employment of Eco-friendly Fishing Gears and Preparation of Value added Products with Low Cost Fish” conducted at the same village and for the same beneficiaries during 30 March - 1 April, 2015. Any TCD especially TSP will result in making aware the hygienic aspects of post harvest handling of fish which is the main source of income as well as the cheapest source of animal protein available at an affordable price. This is true for Tribal Fishers who are residents of hinterlands. Fish handled in unhygienic conditions is not only prone to quick spoilage due to bacterial growth but also hazardous to human health. The consumption of contaminated fish causes ill-health and the livelihood is impaired acutely for weeks in the absence of proper medical facilities, and even if the medical facilities are available the fishers are not able meet the expenses due to economically under-privileged conditions. Under these circumstances being cognizant of the problems associated with improper handling of post harvest fish through training programmes help the fishers to implement the hygienic handling of fish. However, training aspects such as preparation of value added fish products needs repeated exposure to gain confidence and also providing small items such as gas stove, perforated utensils for washing fish at different stages and frying bowls which will give much needed logistic support. Based on the above consideration the one day TSP TCD was held at Siltiguda for the same beneficiaries. Lectures were delivered and demonstrations were given on value added fish products like fish fingers. Perforated fish washing bowl, fish frying bowl and one gas stove was given on gratis’. The programme was conducted in collaboration with Department of Fisheries, Government of Odisha by Dr. M.M. Prasad Principal Scientist, Dr. P. Viji and Kum. Jesmi Debbarma, Scientists and technical assistance was provided by Shri G. Bhushanam, Technician and Shri S. Ghanik, SSS. From the Department of Fisheries Govt. of Odisha the programme was coordinated by Shri Rana, FEO under the supervision of Shri Hemantha Kumar, DFO Rayagada.