Union Fisheries Secretary Dr Abhilaksh Likhi Reviews ICAR-CIFT Functioning in Kochi
Roadmap Sought for Strengthening Fish Tech for Post-Harvest Fisheries Management
Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, GoI, visited Kochi, Kerala, to review the functioning of ICAR – Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) on 19th September 2025. Senior Officers from States/UTs, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), fisheries Startups, Seafood exporters and other fisheries stakeholders participated in a hybrid mode.
Dr Abhilaksh Likhi emphasised 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 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.
Dr Abhilaksh Likhi also visited the Kochi Fishing Harbour at Thoppumpady today, on 20th 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 the 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.
Disclaimer: This is an official press release by Pib.
