The Centre of Excellence for Food Innovations and Startup Hubs (CE-FISH), under the School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), with the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and in association with the Fisheries Development Forum, Ernakulam Social Service Society (ESSS), organized a one-day Entrepreneurial Training Programme on “Safe Diversified Seafood Products for Identified Beneficiaries of CRCFV Villages” on 12th July 2025 at Njarakkal, Vypin, Kerala, India.
This programme was conducted as part of the Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) initiative of NABARD and also coincided with the celebration of NABARD’s Foundation Day. The training specifically aimed at empowering women from coastal and fishing communities through capacity building in seafood value addition and safe processing practices. The registration of participants began at 9:30 AM, with a total of 50 participants registered and actively participating in the training programme.
- Inaugural Function:
The formal inauguration began at 10:00 AM with a prayer song, setting a solemn tone for the event. This was followed by a welcome address delivered by Dr. Ginson Joseph, Director, CE-FISH, CUSAT.
The programme was officially inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Ms. Mini Raju Kolencherry, Panchayat President of Njarakkal, who lit the ceremonial lamp and delivered the inaugural address, highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship in coastal communities.
Felicitation addresses were delivered by Mr. Ajeesh Balu, District Development Manager, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and Rev. Fr. Antony Sijan, Director, Ernakulam Social Service Society (ESSS), acknowledging the initiative and encouraging participant engagement.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Shaila Attipetty, Coordinator, Fisheries Development Forum, Ernakulam Social Service Society (ESSS), expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, participants, and organizing team.
