Campbell Bay, Mar. 5: A comprehensive 3-days Training-cum-Demonstration program titled ‘Preparation of value-added products from fish and shellfish’ was conducted from 29th February to 02nd March, 2024 at Tribal Council Community Hall, Rajivnagar in Campbell Bay by the Department of Fisheries in association with ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) Cochin. This programme was sponsored under the CIFT-Tribal Sub Plan.

The training sessions were led by experts from ICAR-CIFT, Cochin, including Dr. V Chandrasekar, Dr. Lekshmi R.G Kumar, Dr. Aniesrani Delfiya DS, and Noby Varghese. The participants were engaged in practical hands-on sessions for three days, focusing on the preparation of market-oriented fish-based value-added products such as Fish Cutlet, Fish Finger, Chutney Powder, Fish Pickle, and Dry Fish. Additionally, demonstrations on pre-processing locally available mackerels and hygienic fish drying using a CIFT solar cum electric backup dryer were provided.

The training also included discussions on the economic aspects of producing value-added fish products to encourage participants to venture into entrepreneurship in the fish-based industry. The participants were urged to explore marketing opportunities to enhance their livelihoods.

Recognizing the potential of seafood-based businesses in the Islands, an MoU was signed between ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, and the Tribal Council, Campbell Bay. As part of this agreement a Mini Fish Processing Unit (MFPU), a Solar with Electric Backup Dryer, a Horizontal Deep Freezer, and a Fish Vending Kiosk, were handed over to the Tribal Council, Campbell Bay.

These facilities aim to establish a small-scale fish processing unit for developing value-added fish products in Campbell Bay for the Tribal thereby generating revenue to support their families and contribute to their economic well-being. This initiative aligns with the goal of promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment among tribal communities in the region.