The Fish Processing Division and Zonal Technology Management Agribusiness Incubation Centre of ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi, started a high-end workshop titled "Business Avenues in Fish Processing and Value Addition" today. Organized under the Accelerate Vigyan Scheme of the Department of Science and Technology - Science and Engineering Research Board (DST-SERB), New Delhi, this workshop aims to provide hands-on experience to students from universities, colleges, private academic institutions, and newly established institutes.

This program, scheduled from July 23 to July 31, 2024, is designed to support motivated postgraduate (PG) and Ph.D. level students with a keen interest in fisheries value addition and business. The main objectives of the workshop are to familiarize students with conventional and advanced fish processing and preservation methods, develop hands-on skills in creating value-added fishery products for business and entrepreneurial activities, educate students on packaging materials used for fishery products and their regulatory aspects, and inform students about different schemes available to support entrepreneurship activities. Through these objectives, the workshop aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the fisheries value addition business.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. R. Dinesh, Director of ICAR IISR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode. He highlighted that the workshop provides a platform for participants to develop innovative ideas and create safe, value-added fishery products. He also emphasised to adopt sustainable practices in the business minimizing solid waste and adhere to national & International standards.  Dr. George Ninan, Director of CIFT, delivered the presidential address, stressing the abundance of entrepreneurial opportunities in the fisheries sector. He noted that participants would gain a comprehensive understanding of both conventional and advanced fish processing and preservation methods. Dr. J. Bindu, Principal Scientist and Head of the Fish Processing Division at ICAR CIFT, Dr. C.O. Mohan, Principal Scientist, ICAR CIFT, and Dr. S. Remya, Senior Scientist, ICAR CIFT spoke in the inaugural session.

The workshop's important sessions cover a wide range of topics. These include business opportunities in fish processing and value addition, highlighted by success stories, the importance of fish for livelihood and nutritional security, low temperature preservation techniques for fish and shellfish, and specialty products from fish and shellfish. These sessions are conducted by in-house experts and specialists from other organizations like MPEDA,FSSAI and KSUM  providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the field. A total of 25 students from various states are attending this workshop, aiming to build skills and knowledge that will propel them into successful entrepreneurial ventures in the fisheries industry.