Port Blair, Oct. 18: A Field Study-cum-Expert Consultation under the Tribal Sub Plan was conducted  from 7th to 16th October, 2012 under which sensitization trainings  cum field study was conducted for the tribal fishers in Car Nicobar and Hut Bay. During the programme, invited experts in fishing technology from mainland participated as resource personnel. Following the field investigation an Expert Consultation was conducted on 16.10.2012 at Library Conference Hall of Central Agricultural Research Institute to discuss the issues confronting Tribal fisheries development and evolve strategies for introducing modern fishing techniques to improve livelihood of Tribal fishermen.

Dr. S. Dam Roy Director, CARI in his opening speech explained the objectives of Tribal Sub plan programme (TSP) and underscored the need to expand the current level of capture fisheries production and particularly the capacity and skill of tribal fishers to take up fishing as a commercial activity. The current status of fisheries with special reference to harvest and post harvest sectors was presented to the house by Dr. P. Krishnan, In charge of Fisheries Science Division, CARI.

Dr. Neethiselvan, Professor and Head, Department of Fishing Technology and Fisheries Engineering, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi on the occasion stressed the need for changing the attitude of tribal fishers and suggested specific interventions for improving safety and fishing effort.

Dr. Shamasundar, Professor and Head, Department of Fish Processing Technology, College of Fisheries, Mangalore presented on innovative fish processing technologies that can be introduced to the tribal fishermen to strengthen their capacity in post harvest and product development.

Dr. M.C. Nandeesha, Special Officer, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Nagapattinam explained that every effort should be taken not to re-invent the wheel. He stressed to adopt technologies from the world for the upliftment of the island fishers in general and tribal fishers in particular.

Scientists from NIOT and FSI participated apart from the Officials from Department of Fisheries, A & N Administration and Scientist of the institute. An idea to establish a ‘State Training Facility for Fish Harvest and Post Harvest’ was mooted, which CARI would follow up with the active participation of development department and scientists from NIOT and FSI.