Practical exposure on Fisher Friend Programme, fish processing and post-harvesting technologies is planned for a group of 33 Master fishers and fisheries officials selected by District Administration and Department of Fisheries, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh. They will visit Fish for All Centre, MSSRF, Poompuhar, from August 18 to 20, 2022.

 Shrikesh Lathkar IAS, District Collector- Srikakulam, flagged off the inauguration of the fisherfolk exposure visit at Srikakulam, and the Joint Director of Fisheries, Srikakulam and Chairman Agriculture Development Board, Srikakulam, also participated in the event.

On August 16, the Master fishermen gathered in Srikakulam from different locations, and took a bus to Railway station as they started the exposure visit cum training journey. Reaching Puducherry on August 17, the team will travel to the Fish for All Centre at Poompuhar.

After a brief introduction about MSSRF and work undertaken in Poompuhar on August 18, the participants will hear about the importance of artificial reefs, about the fish processing unit and its related activities, the portable hatchery and IFS farm, as well as the ‘Every Child A Scientist’ programme. Male members will later go for FFMA training while women will proceed for dry fish practical training at processing unit.

 On August 19, the Men Master Fishermen will receive training on GPS using FFMA and the Tamil Nadu Master fishers will exchange FFMA experiences with Andhra Master fishers. They will also understand how to handle diesel engine problems in the troubleshooting session. Women Master Trainers will be trained on value addition of small pelagic fishes and in the formation of women SHGs.

A visit to MGR thittu landing centre has been organised on August 20, and includes a visit to Mudasalodai to interact with women fisher groups, see the baby solar dryers, and also visit to IMFFS and the crab fattening unit promoted by MSSRF.