George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minister of State for Minority Affairs, visited the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) in Kochi to review its various activities.
During his visit, Minister Kurian toured several divisions of CIFNET, including the Fishing Gear Hall, RT Station, computer lab, Navigation Simulator Lab, Library, Seamanship Navigation Lab, Biology Lab, and Marine Engineering Lab. The Director of CIFNET, M. Habibullah, provided a comprehensive overview of the institute's activities, followed by demonstrations of various equipment such as RT communication with CIFNET's fishing vessels.
The Minister was also briefed on several government initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and security of fishermen. Among these were the indigenously developed transponders by ISRO, enabling two-way communication for fishermen.
About CIFNET
The Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET), formerly known as the Central Institute of Fisheries Operatives, is a premier marine studies center located in Kochi, India. Operated by the Department of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry and Dairying of the Government of India, CIFNET is dedicated to research and development in marine and fisheries sciences.
CIFNET offers a Bachelor of Fisheries and Nautical Science degree along with two diploma courses in vessel navigation and marine fitting. The institute also conducts refresher courses for those preparing for fishing grade examinations.
George Kurian's visit underscores the government's commitment to advancing the field of marine studies and ensuring the welfare and safety of the fishing community through technological and educational advancements.
