Popularizing Fish Products through Live Kitchen at CMFRI, Kochi

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi organized a three-day Buyer-Seller Meet and Kisan Mela from 14^th to 16^th November 2019. The meet was jointly organized by the Swadeshi Science Movement, NABARD and Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra of ICAR-CMFRI. Dr. A Gopalakrishnan, Director, ICAR-CMFRI inaugurated the program.

Coordinated by the NABARD, the buyer-seller meet was aimed at supporting organic farmers and farmer producer groups to popularize their products in the market and to promote safe food products.

Around 2 tonnes of farmed seabass and tilapia were sold out during the Mela. A live kitchen facility provided the different tilapia dishes during the event. Farmed tilapia under the guidance of Krishi Vigyan Kendra of ICAR-CMFRI was used for preparing dishes at the live kitchen. A stall of farmed live edible oyster was also the center of attraction for the visitors.

The participants were given an insight into the application of agro-drones that are used in agriculture for pest and disease management. This section also provided inputs as well as material for those interested in taking up farming activities. The method of hydroponic farming practices was also exhibited in the fest.

During the Buyer-Seller Meet, more than 50 farmer producer companies found potential buyers to sell their products like rice, cereals, pulses, vegetable oils, fish, dairy products and numerous value-added products. Farmers, farmer producer companies, self-help groups and Agri start-ups from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka introduced theirs produces during the meet.