A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for extending the first multi-state cooperative society for NE state of Manipur and Nagaland, under the Ministry of Cooperation, was signed between Bharathimana Fishermen Development Cooperative Ltd, (Bharathimanaco) and ICAR – Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) Cochin, a premier institute for fish processing, on Monday.
The MOU was signed by ICAR-CIFT, Cochin director Dr George Ninan and Bharathimanaco chairman Dr Ramanando Khundrakpam.
As per the MOU, ICAR-CIFT will provide skill based training programme and technical guidance for establishing processing unit for developing value added fishery products for members and stakeholders of society, technology inputs and other materials for the welfare of farming community and use of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of the ICAR – CIFT, Cochin.
The Institute also has already provided training and materials subsequent to signing of the first MoU in April 2022 which lapsed on Sunday.
The fresh MOU to renew the agreement was also attended by Dr Geethalaksmi, principal scientist of ICAR – CIFT Cochin and Umesh Pochappan, chairman of Bharathikerkar, Kerala & ex-governing body member of National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad.
The MoU will boost fish food processing sector by producing hygienic & nutritious fish-based products for the commoners and also help in socio-economic up-liftment of fish farmers community, said Dr Ramanando.