The M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has launched a new version of the fisher friends mobile application, and portable carp fish hatchery and fish quality laboratory announced on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the Fish for All Research and Training Center (FFARC), Poompuhar on 27 January 2022.

Over 100 participants participated in the event, including fishermen, fisherwomen, government officials, and members of different non-profits.

With the support of Qualcomm and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), an upgrade version of Fisher Friend Mobile Application(FFMA) Version 5.1 was released. It will enable instantaneous ocean status information to fishermen at 1026 fish landings in India.

In collaboration with the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, the Centre established a portable carp fish hatchery to ensure the supply of quality fish seeds to aqua-farmers of Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal districts. This technology will enable farmers to increase inland fish production and address the household nutritional security of poor farmers.

Dr. Ajith Kumar, Principal Scientist and Regional Head-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), said that ICAR–NBFGR in collaboration with MSSRF, will extend their support to implement more livelihood projects like Portable carp hatchery.

Earlier, Dr. Madura Swaminathan, Chairperson, MSSRF urged the government of Tamil Nadu to make smart mobile phones more affordable so that the community can benefit from them. She has also announced setting up of state of art computer centre for the fishing community to bring in the next generation of researchers from the fishing community.

Dr. S Velvizhi, Head and Principal Scientist of FFARC explained main activities and research of the Centre for the past 12 years. The Centre was set up in 2011 to mitigate the impact of Tsunami on coastal fishermen and women with modern science and technology