1st November 2024, Kodungallur
In a significant step towards advancing livelihoods and incomes in the fisheries sector, Shri George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Minority Affairs inaugurated the Blue Pearl Fish Farmer Producer Company (FFPO), at the Municipal Town Hall in Kodungallur today. The initiative, supported by NABARD and in partnership with ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, aims to empower cage farmers and other stakeholders in the industry to boost their income.
In his inaugural address, Shri Kurian highlighted the rapid growth of the fisheries sector, noting that the fisheries sector is booming and is rightly regarded as the sunrise sector of our economy. He spoke about establishing the FFPO as a commendable initiative backed by the government, aimed at fostering growth and empowering local fish farmers. The minister highlighted various central government schemes to strengthen the fisheries sector. Additionally, he unveiled the FFPO logo and distributed share certificates to the shareholders of Blue Pearl FFPO.
Adv. VS Dhinil, Vice-Chairman, Kodungallur Municipality, presided over the function.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was exchanged between ICAR-CIFT and seven Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) from Kerala and Andhra Pradesh for technical support in their activities.
A demonstration for technical guidance and support, along with fish value addition training sessions, mini-expo, and entrepreneurs meet, was also organized as part of the inaugural function.
(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi)
