KOCHI, 30 June 2025: The urgent need to develop a National Traceability Framework for Fisheries Value Chains was highlighted at a workshop held in Kochi, according to Dr. George Ninan, Director of the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT).
Organized by ICAR-CIFT in association with the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), the National Workshop on Traceability for Fisheries Value Chains brought together diverse stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, research institutes, regulatory authorities, and the seafood industry.
Inaugurating the workshop, Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, underscored the critical role of traceability in strengthening seafood safety, quality assurance, and compliance with global standards. He emphasized active participation from primary producers to exporters, highlighting the ongoing efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to build a seamless traceability network that includes aquaculture and capture fisheries.
Mehra also commended the role of institutions like ICAR and the Export Inspection Council (EIC) in setting standards, offering training, and developing advanced traceability technologies.
Delivering the presidential address, Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, noted that traceability is vital for enhancing India’s global seafood competitiveness and boosting consumer confidence. “Traceability is not just about packaging — it covers every stage of the fisheries value chain, from producers to retailers,” he explained.
Dodda Venkata Swamy, IAS, Chairman of MPEDA, stressed the importance of raising quality standards for both export and domestic markets in his keynote address.
The workshop also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Fisheries, Uttarakhand, and ICAR-CIFT to establish a fish processing unit for value-added fish products in Uttarakhand.
Experts engaged in technical sessions and panel discussions to explore how a strong traceability framework could enhance consumer trust and ensure food safety, while opening up better market opportunities.
Among other dignitaries addressing the inaugural session were Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam, IAS, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Uttarakhand; Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB); Sanjay Dave, Former Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission; and Dr. Zynudheen A.A., Head of the Quality Assurance and Management Division, ICAR-CIFT.
The event highlighted a consensus: a national fisheries traceability framework is key to meeting growing international requirements, boosting exports, and building trust among Indian seafood consumers.
Image credit: primafelicitas.com
