Solar-dried fish products now available in Kochi

Kochi: A new business model for solar dried fish products has been launched in Kochi by a start-up firm ‘Aabbaa Fish Products’ with the support of the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT). P.T Thomas MLA opened the dry fish store at Chambakara on Tuesday which is an ideal choice for dry fish lovers. The design of the store, the products and the display settings suits the new age retailing business, and the store is the first of its kind in the state.

All the products are scientifically processed using energy efficient and eco-friendly solar dryers developed by CIFT. The quality of the solar dried fish is extremely good in terms of hygiene, retention of nutrients, aroma and taste, as it eliminates all the disadvantages of conventional open sun drying, and is also free from dust, dirt, rain, insects and micro-organisms.

Lower and uniform levels of moisture can also be achieved for products from the solar dryer when compared to conventionally dried products. CIFT has provided technical support and guidance to the start-up firm through the Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre of the Institute. Corporation councillor V.P. Chandran, CIFT director Dr. Ravishankar C.N, Dr. Manoj P. Samuel, head of Engineering Division, CIFT and Dr. George Ninan, principal investigator, ABI Centre also attended.