On September 19th, 2025, Union Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi visited Kochi, Kerala, to review the operations of ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT). Senior Officers from States/UTs, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), fisheries Startups, Seafood exporters and other fisheries stakeholders participated in hybrid mode.
Dr. Likhi emphasized the need to bridge gaps in fish processing and value addition through modern technologies and urged ICAR-CIFT and stakeholders to create a roadmap for strengthening post-harvest management and enhancing the fisheries value chain.
Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), Department of Fisheries, gave a presentation on “Fish Tech for Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition,” stressing the importance of diversifying fish products, adopting modern value addition techniques, and bolstering sectoral growth through effective post-harvest management supported by R&D from ICAR institutions.
On September 20th, 2025, Dr. Likhi visited the Kochi Fishing Harbour at Thoppumpady to review progress, interact with fishermen, and understand their challenges. He urged port authority officials to ensure timely completion of the ongoing Fishing Harbour project sanctioned under PMMSY.
In March 2022, the Department of Fisheries approved Cochin Port Trust's proposal to modernize the Cochin Fishing Harbour at Thoppumpady in Kerala, with a total cost of Rs. 169.17 crores, including Central financial assistance of Rs. 100 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under Sagarmala.
[Posted on 20 SEP 2025 1:28PM by PIB Delhi. Release ID: 2168878]
Key Entities Referenced
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A scheme that aims to enhance fish production and productivity in a sustainable and responsible manner.
ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT): A research institute focused on fisheries technology. Reviewed by Union Fisheries Secretary.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying: The central ministry responsible for fisheries and related industries.
Department of Fisheries: The department within the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying responsible for fisheries-related policies.
Kochi, Kerala: City in Kerala where the review of ICAR-CIFT took place and where modernization of the fishing harbour is being undertaken.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Union Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi
Reviews ICAR-CIFT Functioning in Kochi
Roadmap Sought for Strengthening Fish Tech for
Post-Harvest Fisheries Management
Posted On: 20 SEP 2025 1:28PM by PIB Delhi
PIB Thiruvananthpuram
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, GoI visited Kochi, Kerala to
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review the functioning of ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) on 19 September
2025. Senior Officers from States/UTs, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), fisheries
Startups, Seafood exporters and other fisheries stakeholders participated in hybrid mode.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi emphasised upon the need to bridge gaps in fish processing and value addition through
the adoption of modern technologies. He urged ICAR-CIFT and other stakeholders to prepare a
comprehensive roadmap for strengthening post-harvest management and enhancing the fisheries value chain.Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), Department of Fisheries, delivered a presentation on
“Fish Tech for Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition,” stressing upon the need to diversify fish
products and adopt modern value addition techniques to unlock market opportunities and boost sectoral
growth. He highlighted that effective post-harvest management, supported by strong R&D from ICAR
institutions, can reduce losses and enhance fishers’ incomes, thereby building a resilient and competitive
fisheries value chain.
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Dr. Likhi also visited the Kochi Fishing Harbour at Thoppumpady today on 20 September 2025 to
review the development and progress made so far and interacted with fishermen where they highlighted the
major species landed, including tuna, shrimp, squid, and others. He also engaged with fishermen on board and
vessel operators to understand their challenges and the functioning of transponders. The Union Secretary
urged the port authority officials to ensure timely completion of the ongoing Fishing Harbour project
sanctioned under PMMSY.
About Kochi Port
The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has in March
2022 accorded approval to the proposal of Cochin Port Trust for modernization and up-gradation of Cochin
Fishing Harbour at Thoppumpady in Kerala at a total cost of Rs. 169.17 crores with Central financial
assistance restricted to Rs. 100 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in a
convergence with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under Sagarmala.
SKY
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(Release ID: 2168878)