Kochi – The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) in Kochi has been officially designated as a Fisheries Incubation Centre (FIC) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt of India, made the announcement during the 4th Anniversary Celebrations of PMMSY held in New Delhi on September 11, 2024.
The event was graced by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, along with Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian, Ministers of State, as Guests of Honour. This recognition highlights the institute’s pivotal role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, aligning with India’s Blue Revolution goals.
ICAR-CIFT has been a leader in the field since 2009, providing incubation support through its Business Incubation Centre, and later expanding with a dedicated pilot plant facility in 2012. The institute focuses on areas such as sustainable fishing practices, value addition, waste utilization, and aquatic bio-resources. It has developed indigenous low-cost machinery for the fisheries sector, helping entrepreneurs and start-ups scale their innovations with advanced equipment and expert guidance.
The newly recognized Fisheries Incubation Centre at ICAR-CIFT will offer a platform for entrepreneurs, particularly women, to commercialize fisheries innovations. With shared resources like laboratories, libraries, and mentorship support, it will help start-ups and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) tackle challenges in sustainability, productivity, and market access.
This recognition further strengthens ICAR-CIFT’s position as a pioneer in fisheries incubation, contributing to India’s Blue Economy.
