Increase Fish Production, Ramp up Marketing: Minister Saji Cheriyan

KOLLAM:
Fisheries Minister Saji Cheriyan today said it is vital for Kerala to increase fish production and strengthen its marketing strategies in fisheries sector by leveraging modern technology to emerge as a global exporter.

The Minister was speaking after inaugurating a modern fish-processing plant, fresh fish stall and a marine resources food court that sells products through the MIMI mobile app run by the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC), at the modern fish market at Karikode, near here.

Noting that fisheries sector is one of the most potential domains besides tourism that acts as a major catalyst in the state’s progress, Cheriyan said it is crucial to leverage modern technology for local and global marketing of marine resources.

Citing how countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh as well as the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh claimed a major share of global fish export market, Cheriyan said Kerala has to chalk out innovative projects to reach the global stage.

“Like tourism, fisheries sector has a favourable milieu for growth in Kerala. We have to focus more on inland fishing and water resources for increasing production and fish farming,” the Minister said.

He said through MIMI Fish the state Fisheries Department is able to supply high-quality fish and fish products at reasonable prices to customers while improving the income of fish-workers.

Kundara MLA P.C. Vishnunath presided over the function, which was also addressed by former Minister J. Mercykutty Amma.

MIMI Fish is part of the year-old Parivarthanam project through which the government seeks to bring about a qualitative socio-economic transformation in coastal areas. While the fish sold through MIMI follows the hygienic standards and protocols set by European Union and other advanced countries in processing, preservation and storage, the project promotes green energy and technologies that sustain traditional fishery activities.

Besides the fish products ordered through MIMI app, the new mobile food court will sell other items of KSCADC.

Indian Council of Agriculture and Research- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) Director Dr Ravi Shankar C N, Kottankara Village Panchayat President Shri Devadas R., District Panchayat member Shri N.S. Prasannakumar, Block Vice President Shri H Hussain, Kottankara Panchayat Vice President Smt Saritha Prathap, Kollam Fisheries Deputy Director K. Suhair and chairpersons of various standing committees and leaders of political parties attended the function.

KSCADC Managing Director Sheik Pareeth, welcomed the gathering, while Kottankara Panchayat Secretary T Sureshkumar proposed a vote of thanks.

Already, KSCADC’s fish pickles, fried fish, chammanthi powder, fish curries and dried fish have reached the doorsteps of families in 29 places across Kollam district, including areas under the municipal corporation. Besides Kollam, KSCADC is supplying fish products through MIMI apps in the districts of Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam.

The fish, captured by traditional fisher folk or collected from trustworthy farms, is chilled immediately using the technology developed by the CIFT that matches European export standards.

MIMI Fish, which was launched on August 29, made its first round of extension in early September, as KSCADC opened outlets in 29 places of Kollam district.