Model Fish Drying Unit Inaugurated
A model fish drying unit was set up by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) Cochin at Sevashram Swasrayagram, Pullani, Angamaly, under the ICAR-DRWA network project on ‘Capacity building of coastal fisherwomen through post harvest technologies in fisheries’. The main aim of the project is to equip the women Self Help Groups in post-harvest technologies like fish drying as a source of alternative employment and income and the practical demonstration of the same as a micro enterprise. The unit was funded by the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad. CIFT will provide technical guidance and training to the women group in hygienic handling and drying of fish.
The unit was formally inaugurated in a simple function at Sevashram Swasrayagram on 20 January, 2012, by Adv. Jose Thettayil, MLA, Angamaly. In his address he stressed the importance of fish in human diet, especially from the health point of view. Dr. T.V. Sankar, Director-in-charge, CIFT presided over the function and he mentioned about the activities of CIFT in the field of fish processing and efforts taken by the Institute in popularizing them. Dr. C.K. Murthy, Executive Director, NFDB formally handed over the unit to a women’s Self Help Group. In his address he outlined the various schemes of NFDB. Rev. Fr. K. Mampilly, President, Sevashram and Dr. S. Balasubramaniam, Head, EIS Division, CIFT offered felicitations. Dr. C.N. Ravishankar, Head, Fish Processing Division, CIFT and Principal Investigator of the project welcomed the gathering and Dr. Nikita Gopal, Senior Scientist, CIFT and Co- Principal Investigator of the project proposed vote of thanks.
