National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT), Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt. of India organized a workshop on Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan today at Kochi to disseminate information and knowledge about nine years of achievements in the fisheries sector and to highlight the success stories of Department of Fisheries and its institutions across the country.  Department of Fisheries launched “Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan” (MSJA) on 15th September 2023, an outreach programme to reach fish farmers and 3477 coastal villages. The key objectives of this workshop is to promote fisheries schemes, showcase varied fisheries activities, reach out to fishers and coastal villages, create awareness about diverse activities in fisheries and showcase sectoral achievements and success stories.

Workshop on “Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan” (MSJA) was inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, Director, ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). During his inaugural address he narrated various programmes under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and stressed on the importance of effective implementation of the scheme across the country.  He mentioned that, PMMSY is designed to address critical gaps in the fisheries value chain from fish production, productivity and quality to technology, post-harvest infrastructure and marketing. While sharing the success stories under ICAR- CMFRI, he opined that, effective implementation of the programme can modernize and strengthen the value chain, enhance traceability and establish a robust fisheries management framework while simultaneously ensuring the socio-economic welfare of fishers and fish farmers.

Shri S. Mahesh, Joint Director (Central Zone), Dept. of Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala made a presentation on implementation of fisheries development schemes through PMMSY in Kerala. Shri M. Shaji, Joint Director (Aquaculture) Retd., MPEDA and Consultant (NFDB) delivered a fruitful information on Aquaculture Technologies under PMMSY scheme in Kerala. Dr. Zynudheen A.A., Head & Principal Scientist, QAM Division, CIFT, Kochi explained the initiatives of CIFT in start-ups/ entrepreneurships in relation to PMMSY. Shri Kamalraj, Processing Technologist, NIFPHATT discussed NIFPHATT’sintervention in value addition and capacity building with reference to PMMSY.  Smt. Maja Jose, Deputy Director (Training), Dept. of Fisheries, Kerala lead the interaction with the stakeholders. During the workshop, the stakeholders shared their success stories in aquaculture, fish processing and marketing.

Dr. Shine Kumar C.S., Director, NIFPHATT welcomed the gathering and stressed on the benefits of formation of Ministry in 2019 and launching the PMMSY scheme with an outlay of Rs. 20,050 crores which has made a strong foundation in the fisheries sector of the country. He also indicated the role of Indo Norwegian Project, Integrated Fisheries Project and NIFPHATT’s role in the progressive growth of fisheries sector in the country.

The programme provided a platform to disseminate and showcase valuable information, best practices, and the latest advancements in fisheries and aquaculture techniques, modern and innovative fish farming technologies, fish processing, and value addition to a large audience of fish farmers, and other fisheries stakeholders. The workshop helped fishers and other stakeholders to adopt advanced practices, leading to increased efficiency and profitability. The workshop played vital role in promoting responsible fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture, fish processing and marketing and the overall well-being of the communities dependent on this crucial sector. Shri Sreekumar, Processing Technologist, NIFPHATT delivered vote of thanks. Fishermen representatives, fish-farmers, entrepreneurs, fishermen cooperative society leaders, professionals, scientists, large number of fishers and other stakeholders interacted during the MSJA workshop.

Dr. Shine Kumar C. S., Director, NIFPHATT, Shri. S. Mahesh, Joint Director (Central Zone), Dept. of Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala, Shri. M. Shaji, Joint Director (Aquaculture) Ret., MPEDA and Consultant (NFDB), Dr. Zynudheen A.A., Head & Principal Scientist, QAM Division, CIFT, Smt. Maja Jose, Deputy Director (Training), Dept. of Fisheries, Kerala, Shri. M. Habibullah, Director, CIFNET, Dr. Sijo Varghese, Zonal Director, FSI , Dr. Jai Singh Meena, Vizag Centre NIFPHATT OIC were also present during the inauguration.