Entrepreneurs, fisheries associations, Department of Fisheries, GoI officials, fisheries officials of various States/UTs, faculty from state agriculture, veterinary, and fisheries universities, fisheries research institutes, fisheries cooperative officers, scientists, students, and stakeholders from fisheries across the country attended the event, which was officiated by Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary, Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India (GOI).
In order to bring in multifaceted perspectives from all fields (research, industry, experts, beneficiaries, etc.) for greater impact, the series of webinars that were held served as a fantastic platform for different stakeholders to come together and share their experiences and knowledge. For the market segment for dry fish, panellists were invited to discuss popular technologies and consumer trends. The panellists discussed the current market environment and the technologies involved, but they also emphasised local difficulties.
Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs, gave the opening remarks to the webinar (GOI). He emphasised that, similar to how an excess of milk gave rise to milk products like milk powder, an excess of fish production is anticipated to grow the less well-known market segment of dry fish. In areas where fish is scarce or uninteresting, dry fish is a good alternative. The perception and stigma of "low value and low quality" and the lack of market linkages for a readymade export market, he continued, have severely harmed the dry fish market segment. Therefore, the webinar sought to comprehend the value of dry fish as a commodity, technologies available for drying and processing, as well as to consider ways to make dry fish a respectable and commercially viable commodity.
Dr. Murali, a scientist in the engineering division of CIFT, gave a presentation to kick off the technical session on the subject of "CIFT Driers and Success Stories." He discussed traditional fish drying techniques, common problems, and technological advancements created and offered by CIFT. Additionally, details were shared regarding various dryer types, including solar, infrared, electrical, and biomass dryers, as well as costs, profitability, and authorized manufacturers. During the session, highlights from various training programmes as well as success tales of dry fish retailers and business owners using CIFT dryers were shared.
Entrepreneurial opportunities in dried fishery products was the subject of a presentation by Dr. C.O. Mohan, Senior Scientist in the Food Processing Division of CIFT. He discussed the nutritional value of fish in comparison to other protein sources and the variety of fish species, including shrimp, anchovies, sardines, croakers, mackerel, and bombay duck, that are frequently sold in dry fish markets for local consumption.
He talked about various packaging materials as India exports to Singapore, Sri Lanka, the ASEAN, and the Middle East. During the session, details on the CIFT incubation facility, training, and outreach initiatives supporting entrepreneurs were presented. Collectively, the experts from CIFT suggested that the management and regulation of the fish drying (drying methods, processing standards and methods, etc.) market are the primary problems; as a result, these are sectoral priorities to guarantee exports and consumption of "safe fish."
Joseph Cascarino, an expert speaker and businessman from Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, spoke on the consumer market and the dry fish industry. He gave a presentation on drying technologies, storage options, and different types of packaging as a second-generation entrepreneur who has spent the last 35 years acquiring, processing, and exporting dry fish.
He went on to discuss various packaging requirements for dry fish based on consumer preferences and exporting nation requirements for value-added goods. He suggested that actions be taken to modernize processing techniques, the technological and scientific support needed for value-added products, and raising public awareness.
Dr. Shine Kumar C. S., the director of NIFPHATT, provided information on the specific fish species dried for export and the importing nations. He emphasized that despite India's low position in the dry fish export market and its enormous potential for growth due to the high demand on the international market. He suggested that awareness be raised so that proper working standards and hygienic practices can take the place of incorrect and unhygienic practices, such as drying in unclean and open areas.
With the help of the aforementioned insightful discussions, additional action points for developing sectoral strategies and action plans have been derived. A vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. S. K. Dwivedi, Assistant Commissioner (Fy), DoF, to the host, delegates, guests, and attendees at the end of the webinar.
