ICAR-CIFT Partners with Andaman Administration for GI Tagging and Boat Design Standardization

The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) has entered into two consultancy agreements with the Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, based in Sri Vijaya Puram. The collaboration is designed to provide technical support for geographical indication (GI) tagging of traditional fish products and the standardization of fishing boat designs in the region.

Under the terms of the first agreement, ICAR-CIFT will assist in obtaining GI tagging for two specific traditional fish products: the Chilled Andaman Coral Trout, also known as Dollar Fish, and Nicobari Thoharango, which is a smoked and dried fish product. To achieve this, the institute will undertake nutritional profiling and shelf-life studies. It will also develop standardised safety protocols and deliver technical training to local and tribal producers.

Officials stated that the initiative is intended to improve product quality, preserve traditional fish processing practices, enhance market access, and increase the commercial value of these indigenous offerings.

The second agreement focuses on the fisheries infrastructure. ICAR-CIFT will provide 30 standardized fishing boat designs across various sizes and categories, encompassing both motorised and mechanised boats. These deliverables will include revised drawings, technical specifications, and cost estimates. The designs will incorporate construction materials such as wood, fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP), wood with FRP coating, and steel, enabling eligible beneficiaries to construct boats under the Union Territory Plan.

Overall, the collaboration seeks to strengthen the local fisheries sector, improve livelihood opportunities for local and tribal communities, and promote sustainable, technology-driven fisheries development across the islands.

The memoranda of agreement were officially exchanged between ICAR-CIFT Director George Ninan and Andaman and Nicobar Administration Assistant Director of Fisheries Nesnas E A.

"This collaboration highlights the importance of institutional support in standardizing traditional regional sectors like fisheries. By securing geographical indication tagging for indigenous products and introducing standardized, durable boat designs, the administration is building a foundation for commercial scalability and better market access. Such initiatives help protect local livelihoods while bringing much-needed quality control and sustainability to regional trade." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes