Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 9: The three-days training programme on ‘Value Added Product Development from Seafood’, organized under the Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) by the Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration, in technical collaboration with the National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT), Cochin, concluded today Fish Landing Centre (FLC), Panighat.
During the three-day programme, participants received intensive technical and hands-on training on the preparation and development of 10 different value-added seafood products, including breaded and battered seafood products, fish pickles, fried fish products and different varieties of fish-based curries. The sessions covered various aspects of product preparation, processing techniques, hygienic handling, quality assurance, preservation and appropriate post-harvest practices.
The technical sessions and practical demonstrations were conducted by Dr. Nithin C. T., Processing-cum-Quality Assurance Supervisor, and Shri Bineesh K. Mukundan, Processing-cum-Quality Assurance Supervisor, NIFPHATT, Cochin. The resource persons provided detailed guidance and hands-on training to the participants, enabling them to gain practical exposure to the preparation, processing and value addition of seafood products.
A total of 25 participants attended the training programme. The participants actively engaged in the practical sessions and expressed enthusiasm in learning various methods of converting locally available fishery resources into value-added products. The training also provided an opportunity for the participants to understand the potential for small-scale seafood processing and entrepreneurship as an additional source of livelihood. On completion of the training programme, certificates were distributed by Smti. Rasheeda Bibi, Pradhan, Hope Town and B Laxminarayan, Panchayt Samiti Member, Hope Town to all the participants in recognition of their successful participation in the three-day training programme.
A notable outcome of the training was the expression of interest by five participants to establish their own seafood value-addition units. The participants stated that the practical knowledge and hands-on skills acquired during the training had increased their confidence and motivated them to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in seafood processing.
The participants expressed their appreciation to the Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration and NIFPHATT, Cochin for organizing the specialized hands-on training.