NIFPHATT Organizes Workshop on Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan at Kochi

The National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT), a part of the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India, recently organized a workshop to showcase the achievements in the country's fisheries sector and the success stories of the Department of Fisheries and its institutions.

This initiative, known as ‘Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan’ (MSJA), was launched on September 15, 2023, as an outreach program aimed at reaching fish farmers and 3,477 coastal villages across the nation. The primary objective of the workshop was to promote various fisheries schemes, highlight diverse fisheries activities, raise awareness among fishers and coastal communities, and showcase sectoral achievements and success stories.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, Director of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). In his address, he emphasized the importance of effectively implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), designed to address critical gaps in the fisheries value chain, from fish production and productivity to technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing.

Dr. Gopalakrishnan stressed that the successful implementation of this program could modernize and strengthen the fisheries value chain, enhance traceability, and establish a robust fisheries management framework, all while ensuring the socio-economic welfare of fishers and fish farmers. Various presentations were made during the workshop, with a focus on the implementation of fisheries development schemes under PMMSY in Kerala. Speakers included S. Mahesh, Joint Director (Central Zone) of the Department of Fisheries, Kerala, who provided insights into the schemes.  M. Shaji, Joint Director (Aquaculture) Retd., MPEDA, and Consultant (NFDB) discussed aquaculture technologies under PMMSY in Kerala.

Dr. Zynudheen A.A., Head & Principal Scientist of QAM Division, CIFT, Kochi, explained the initiatives of CIFT in startups and entrepreneurship related to PMMSY, while Kamalraj, Processing Technologist at NIFPHATT, discussed NIFPHATT's role in value addition and capacity building under PMMSY. Smt. Maja Jose, Deputy Director (Training), Department of Fisheries, Kerala, led interactions with stakeholders who shared their success stories in aquaculture, fish processing, and marketing.

Dr. Shine Kumar C.S., Director of NIFPHATT, welcomed the participants and highlighted the significant benefits brought about by the formation of the Ministry in 2019 and the launch of the PMMSY scheme with an outlay of Rs. 20,050 crores. He also pointed out the instrumental role played by the Indo-Norwegian Project, Integrated Fisheries Project, and NIFPHATT in the progressive growth of the fisheries sector in the country.

The workshop served as a platform for the dissemination of valuable information, best practices, and the latest advancements in fisheries and aquaculture techniques, modern fish farming technologies, fish processing, and value addition. The event provided a unique opportunity for fish farmers and other stakeholders to adopt advanced practices, thereby increasing efficiency and profitability. It also played a vital role in promoting responsible fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture, fish processing, marketing, and the overall well-being of communities that depend on this crucial sector.

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sreekumar, Processing Technologist at NIFPHATT. It has undoubtedly contributed to the continued growth and prosperity of India's fisheries sector.