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

The ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), based in Kochi, has entered into two consultancy agreements with the Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The collaboration is designed to strengthen the fisheries sector in the Union Territory by promoting traditional fish products and standardizing fishing boat designs.

A central objective of the collaboration is to support the Geographical Indication (GI) tagging of two traditional fish products: Chilled Andaman Coral Trout (Dollar Fish) and Nicobari Thoharango (smoked and dried). Under the terms of the consultancy, CIFT will conduct nutritional profiling and shelf-life studies, develop standardized safety protocols, and deliver technical training to local and tribal producers.

These interventions are intended to improve product quality, preserve traditional fish processing practices, enhance market access, and increase the commercial potential of these indigenous products.

Under the second consultancy agreement, 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 suitable construction materials, such as wood, fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP), wood with FRP coating, and steel. This is expected to facilitate boat construction by eligible beneficiaries under the Union Territory Plan.

The Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) were formally exchanged between George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, and Nesnas E.A., Assistant Director of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration.

Other officials present at the exchange included Lijin Nambiar M.M., Research Associate at the ZTM-ABI Centre; Sreepriya Prakasan, Scientist; C.O. Mohan, Principal Scientist in the Fish Processing Division; M.P. Remesan, Head of the Fishing Technology Division; and Vipin Kumar V., Technical Officer in the Fishing Technology Division at CIFT.

Overall, the partnership aims to promote traditional fish products, improve livelihood opportunities for local and tribal communities, and encourage sustainable, technology-driven fisheries development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

"This institutional collaboration between ICAR-CIFT and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration highlights the importance of standardization and intellectual property protection, such as GI tagging, in regional economies. By combining scientific technical support with traditional livelihoods—ranging from indigenous fish processing to standardized boat manufacturing—this initiative creates a structured pathway for sustainable economic development and better market access for local producers." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes