Shri George Kurian, Hon'ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Minority Affairs, Government of India, visited the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) in Kochi on 26^th September 2024.

The Minister visited the laboratories at the Institute, observing ongoing research and technological advancements. During the visit the Minister released upcycled products developed from Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) derived from abandoned fishing boats. This initiative of CIFT marks a significant step toward addressing the growing environmental threat posed by abandoned FRP boats. ICAR-CIFT has also successfully upcycled products from FRP debris, demonstrating the potential for reducing the volume of debris at each harbor through shredding.  In response, ICAR-CIFT has developed two types of composites incorporating FRP. One of these composites can be used to create various products, such as large flower pots, vases, and furniture for landscaping, while the other is suited for manufacturing plastic items like waste bins, buckets including injection moulded products. In a move to promote environmental conservation, Shri Kurian also launched CIFT Bioboost and Microboost, a bacterial consortium and compost developed by the institute to enhance waste management solutions within the industry. This is being transferred to the Mr.  Dipin Dileep, Ward  Councillor, Ponnurunni Ward in Ernakulam and stakeholders were trained today in using the consortium for waste management.

 The Minister also handed over a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to three stakeholder groups for the use of machinery line that converts fish waste into aquafeed and manure. Shri George Kurian also released publications of ICAR-CIFT, and also honoured Swachhta leaders as part of the Government Swachhta Action Plan. In his address to the staff, the Minister commended ICAR-CIFT for its innovative waste management strategies and emphasized that “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is very relevant in the fisheries sector. If waste is not properly disposed of, it can cause serious environmental pollution. The work done by CIFT in waste management is highly commendable.” Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, and Dr. V. Geethalakshmi, Nodal Officer, Swachhta Action Plan of ICAR-CIFT, also spoke.