ICAR-CIFT conducted training programme for stakeholders

India, with its vast coastline of over 7,500 km and a rich network of rivers, lakes, and ponds, possesses immense potential in the fisheries sector. This sector is not merely an economic activity but a crucial source of livelihood for millions, contributing significantly to food security and nutritional needs. However, despite its potential, the sector has historically faced challenges such as post-harvest losses, underutilization of by-products, and a lack of modern value addition technologies. It is against this backdrop that institutions like the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) play a pivotal role.

ICAR-CIFT, established in 1957, is the only national institute in India where research in all disciplines relating to fishing and fish processing is undertaken. Its core mandate is to develop technologies for sustainable fishing, post-harvest processing, and value addition of fish and fishery products. The recent training programme conducted by ICAR-CIFT is a direct manifestation of this mandate. The programme aimed to sensitize various stakeholders – primarily fishermen, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and processors – on crucial technologies available for seafood value addition, efficient fish waste utilization, and the development of seaweed products. Furthermore, it sought to promote business activities within the fisheries sector, thereby fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Key stakeholders involved in this initiative are multi-faceted. At the forefront is ICAR-CIFT itself, acting as the knowledge hub and training provider. The primary beneficiaries are the local fishermen and aquaculturists, whose traditional practices can be significantly enhanced by adopting modern technologies, leading to higher incomes and better livelihoods. Fish processors and aspiring entrepreneurs form another critical group, as they are the ones who will implement these technologies to create value-added products and establish new businesses. Government agencies, particularly the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, are indirect stakeholders, providing policy support, financial assistance through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and creating an enabling environment for the sector's growth. Finally, consumers benefit from a wider range of high-quality, safe, and nutritious seafood products.

This initiative holds immense significance for India. Economically, it directly contributes to the 'Blue Economy' vision, which emphasizes sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. By promoting value addition, India can reduce post-harvest losses, which are estimated to be substantial, thereby increasing the overall profitability of the sector. For instance, converting fish waste into useful products like fish meal, fish oil, or even bio-fertilizers not only generates additional revenue but also addresses environmental concerns. The development of seaweed products, ranging from food items to industrial applications, opens up new avenues for income generation and diversification. This aligns perfectly with the government's goal of doubling farmers' income, as fishermen's earnings can see a substantial boost through these diversified and value-added activities. Socially, it leads to enhanced livelihood security, particularly in coastal and rural areas, and can empower women who are often integral to fish processing and marketing.

Historically, India's fisheries sector has seen significant policy interventions. The 'Blue Revolution' (Neeli Kranti) initiative, launched in the 1980s and revitalized in recent years, aimed at achieving economic prosperity for fishermen and fish farmers by harnessing the full potential of India’s water resources. The most comprehensive scheme to date is the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in September 2020 with an investment of over ₹20,050 crore for five years. PMMSY specifically focuses on sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector, including emphasis on value chain modernization, post-harvest management, and quality improvement – all areas directly addressed by ICAR-CIFT's training. The constitutional framework for such initiatives often derives from the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), particularly Article 48, which calls upon the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines, and Article 48A, which directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife, implicitly supporting sustainable resource management. While fisheries is primarily a state subject, the central government plays a significant role in policy formulation, research, and funding, often coordinating with states under concurrent list principles or through central schemes.

Looking ahead, such training programmes are vital for the future of India's fisheries sector. They foster technological adoption, leading to higher efficiency and productivity. This will enable India to compete more effectively in the global seafood market, increasing its export potential. Furthermore, the focus on sustainable practices, such as waste utilization and responsible aquaculture, is critical for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The continued emphasis on research, training, and technology transfer by institutions like ICAR-CIFT will be instrumental in transforming India's fisheries from a traditional occupation into a modern, sustainable, and highly profitable industry, ensuring food security and economic prosperity for its coastal communities.