Central Institute of Fisheries Technology

A premier research institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) dedicated to advancing fisheries technology, ensuring seafood safety, and promoting sustainable fish processing practices since 1957.

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65+
Years of Excellence
150+
Research Projects
40+
Technologies Developed
5000+
Industry Clients Served

About ICAR-CIFT

The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) is a leading research institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) dedicated to research and development in fishing technology, fish processing, and quality assurance.

Established in 1957, CIFT has been at the forefront of developing innovative technologies for the fisheries sector, enhancing food safety, reducing post-harvest losses, and adding value to fish products. Our institute plays a crucial role in shaping India's fisheries policies and practices through scientific research and technological innovations.

Located in the coastal city of Kochi, Kerala, CIFT operates through its headquarters in Willingdon Island and research centers across India, focusing on region-specific challenges and opportunities in the fisheries sector.

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ICAR-CIFT main campus building

Our Vision & Mission

Vision

To be a global leader in fisheries technology research, promoting sustainable fishing practices, ensuring seafood safety, and enhancing the socio-economic status of fishing communities through scientific innovations and technology transfer.

Mission

To conduct cutting-edge research in fish harvesting, processing, quality assurance, and value addition; develop appropriate technologies for the fisheries sector; provide analytical services and consultancy; and disseminate knowledge through training and extension activities.

Our Divisions

Fishing Technology Division

Focuses on development of energy-efficient fishing gears, bycatch reduction devices, vessel design, and safety measures for fishermen.

Fish Processing Division

Develops technologies for fish preservation, processing, packaging, storage, and transportation to reduce post-harvest losses.

Quality Assurance & Management Division

Ensures seafood safety through development of quality standards, detection methods for contaminants, and certification protocols.

Research & Development

Pioneering research in fisheries science and technology for sustainable development of the sector.

Current Research Focus Areas

CIFT's research programs are aligned with national priorities and global challenges in the fisheries sector. Our multidisciplinary approach addresses issues from harvest to consumption.

Sustainable Fishing Technologies

Development of selective fishing gears, bycatch reduction devices, and energy-efficient fishing methods to promote ecosystem-based fisheries management.

  • Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs)
  • Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs)
  • Eco-friendly fishing gears
Value-Added Products

Development of innovative fish-based products including ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, and functional foods to enhance market value and consumption.

  • Fish protein concentrates
  • Fortified fish products
  • Traditional product modernization
Seafood Safety & Quality

Research on detection methods for pathogens, toxins, chemical residues, and adulterants in seafood to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

  • Rapid detection kits
  • Molecular diagnostics
  • Quality indexing systems
Post-Harvest Technology

Innovations in preservation, processing, packaging, storage, and transportation to reduce post-harvest losses and extend shelf-life of fish products.

  • Ice-making technologies
  • Modified atmosphere packaging
  • Cold chain optimization

Research Infrastructure

Advanced Analytical Laboratory Pilot Processing Plant Bioinformatics Facility Fishing Gear Testing Tank Sensorics Laboratory
Ongoing Projects
National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)
2022-2025 | ICAR Funded
Development of Rapid Detection Kits for Seafood Pathogens
2023-2026 | DBT Funded
Value Addition to Underutilized Fish Species
2021-2024 | NFDB Funded

Analytical & Testing Services

Comprehensive testing and analytical services for the seafood industry, regulatory bodies, and research institutions.

Chemical Analysis

Comprehensive testing for proximate composition, vitamins, minerals, heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, and other chemical contaminants in seafood and water samples.

  • Proximate composition
  • Heavy metal analysis
  • Veterinary drug residues
  • Additives & preservatives
Microbiological Testing

Detection and enumeration of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in seafood, fish products, and processing environments including ISO and BIS standard methods.

  • Pathogen detection
  • Total plate count
  • Yeast & mold count
  • Shellfish sanitation
Molecular Diagnostics

Species identification, detection of genetically modified organisms, allergen testing, and molecular characterization of seafood using advanced DNA-based techniques.

  • Species identification
  • Allergen detection
  • GMO testing
  • Pathogen typing

Need Testing Services?

Our NABL accredited laboratory provides reliable, accurate, and timely analytical services with comprehensive reporting.

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Technologies Developed

Innovative technologies developed and transferred to industry for commercialization and societal benefit.

CIFT mobile fish processing unit
Mobile Fish Processing Unit

A self-contained, truck-mounted processing unit for hygienic handling and processing of fish at landing centers. Equipped with cleaning, gutting, filleting, icing, and packaging facilities.

Benefits: Reduces post-harvest losses, improves hygiene, adds value at source.

Status: Commercially adopted by several fisher cooperatives.

Modified atmosphere packaging technology
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

Technology for extending shelf-life of fresh fish and fishery products by modifying the gaseous environment within the package. Extends shelf-life by 2-3 times compared to conventional packaging.

Benefits: Extended shelf-life, reduced spoilage, maintained quality.

Status: Licensed to multiple seafood export companies.

CIFT Quality Ice

Specially formulated hygienic ice with antimicrobial properties for fish preservation. Reduces bacterial load and extends freshness of fish during storage and transportation.

Fish Waste Bioconversion

Technology for converting fish processing waste into value-added products like fish meal, oil, silage, and bioactive peptides through enzymatic and microbial processes.

Rapid Pathogen Detection Kits

Immunoassay-based rapid test kits for detection of common seafood pathogens like Vibrio, Salmonella, and Listeria within 6-8 hours without need for sophisticated lab infrastructure.

Technology Licensing Enquiry

Publications & Knowledge Resources

Scientific publications, technical bulletins, and knowledge products disseminating research findings.

Recent Publications

Impact of climate change on fish spoilage and shelf-life

Authors: Kumar, S., Nair, P.G., & Rao, B.M.

Journal: Food Research International, 2023, 165, 112456

Read Abstract →
Development of biodegradable active packaging from seaweed polysaccharides

Authors: Menon, R.R., Lakshmi, D., & Joseph, J.

Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers, 2023, 299, 120182

Read Abstract →
Molecular detection of mislabeled seafood products in Indian markets

Authors: Sharma, A., Gupta, S., & Patel, K.

Journal: Food Control, 2023, 145, 109412

Read Abstract →
Energy efficiency assessment of mechanized fishing vessels along Indian coast

Authors: Thomas, S.N., Prakash, R., & Edwin, L.

Journal: Ocean Engineering, 2023, 267, 113245

Read Abstract →

CIFT Technical Bulletins

Good Manufacturing Practices for Seafood Processing

CIFT Bulletin No. 45, 2022

Download PDF
Handbook on Fish Waste Utilization Technologies

CIFT Bulletin No. 44, 2021

Download PDF

Upcoming Events

International Conference on Sustainable Fisheries

November 15-17, 2023

Hybrid (Kochi & Online)

Register Now
Training on Seafood Safety & HACCP

December 5-9, 2023

CIFT, Kochi

Apply Now
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Contact Us

Get in touch with us for research collaborations, testing services, technology licensing, or general enquiries.

Headquarters

ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Technology
Willingdon Island, Kochi
Kerala - 682029, India

Phone & Fax

+91-484-2412300 (Office)
+91-484-2668212 (Director)
+91-484-2668559 (Fax)

Email

[email protected] (General)
[email protected] (Director)
[email protected] (Business)

Send a Message

Regional Research Centers
Mumbai Center
+91-22-26361446 | [email protected]
Visakhapatnam Center
+91-891-2789647 | [email protected]
Veraval Center
+91-2876-245132 | [email protected]
Collaborating Organizations & Useful Links
ICAR - Indian Institute Of Horticultural ResearchICAR - National Institute Of Plant BiotechnologyAll India Institute Of Medical SciencesAll India Institute Of Speech And HearingIndian Institute Of Advanced Study