ICAR-CIFT, Kochi to Support GI Tagging of Traditional Andaman and Nicobar Fish Products

22 October 2026, Kochi

ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi, will provide technical support to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to promote traditional fish products and standardise fishing boat designs, strengthening the fisheries sector in the Union Territory. In this regard, ICAR-CIFT has entered into two consultancy agreements with the Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Sri Vijaya Puram.

A key component 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 consultancy, ICAR-CIFT will undertake nutritional profiling and shelf-life studies, develop standardised safety protocols, and provide technical training to local and tribal producers. These interventions aim to improve product quality, preserve traditional fish processing practices, enhance market access, and increase the value and commercial potential of these indigenous products.

Under the second consultancy, ICAR-CIFT will provide 30 standardised fishing boat designs of various sizes and categories, covering motorised and mechanised boats. The designs will include revised drawings, technical specifications and cost estimates. Suitable construction materials, including wood, fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP), wood with FRP coating, and steel, will be incorporated to facilitate boat construction by eligible beneficiaries under the Union Territory Plan.

The collaboration 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.
The Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) were exchanged between Dr George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, and Shri Nesnas E.A., Assistant Director of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration.

(Source: ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi)