The Division of Animal and Fisheries Science (DAFS) at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region in Umiam, Meghalaya, recently wrapped up a highly successful 5-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) focusing on "Value-added fish product preparation and hygienic packaging." The EDP was conducted from 4th to 8th March 2024, which was sponsored by the Agri-Business Incubation Centre (ABI) programme of the Institute. A total of 9 numbers of enthusiastic young entrepreneurs from across Northeastern states viz Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur and Mizoram participated. Participants received valuable lectures and specialized hands-on training in hygienic packaging and preparation of various value-added fish products, including fish pickle, sausage, nuggets, fish cutlets, fish balls, and fish fingers in the Meat Processing Laboratory of the institute.
        The programme was conducted under the supervision and dynamic leadership of Dr. S. K. Das, Pr. Scientist and In-charge Fisheries (Course Director), Dr. A. Roy, Sr. Scientist, PI-ABI (Course Director) and Dr. S. Ghatak, Pr. Scientist and Head (DAFS). Mr. S. G. Singh, Scientist (FRM) and Mr. P. Mahanta, TO (FPT) acted as the Course coordinators, who looked after the overall activities of the programme. Moreover, Dr. C. Debnath, Sr. Scientist (FRM), Er. Thameri Marak, ABI, Dr. R. Katiyar, Scientist (LPT), Mr. T. Tayung, Scientist (Aquaculture), Mr. Alokesh Das, STO (Aquaculture) and Mr. Pynhun J.R., (ST) also provided valuable insides during the training as a resource person and technical assistance. Overall, the EDP was hailed as a resounding success, providing the participants with valuable skills and knowledge to enhance their ventures in the fisheries industry.