The Hindu Business Line : CIFT chief calls for simplification of patent laws

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Visakhapatnam Feb. 16 Patenting laws, procedures should be simplified for India to reap the full benefits of its research in various fields, especially fisheries, according to Dr K. Devadasan, Director of the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT).

In an interview here, he said the CIFT had succeeded in identifying certain extracts, and active agents, from fisheries products having pharmaceutical applications. "We have transferred these technologies to some of the companies but we have to get them patented. Otherwise, there is always the danger that we may lose them to the West," he said.

He said chitosin, extracted from prawn shell waste, was one such active agent. Squalene, extracted from a certain type of sharks in the Andamans, was found to have anti-arthritic properties. Several other such extracts had been identified and commercialised by the CIFT.

Dr Devadasan said the CIFT was mainly concentrating on developing technologies for utilisation of low-value fish, fish byproducts and fish waste. These technologies would improve the lot of traditional fishermen and give a boost to the processing industry as well.

Packaging was another area badly neglected in the country, Dr Devadasan lamented. He said the CIFT was focusing on development of safe, attractive packaging for fish products. Energy conservation in fishing activities, diversification of fishing and eco-friendly fishing were the other areas the CIFT was working on. "We are working on the modification of fishing gear and other related areas for energy conservation," he added.

Dr Devadasan said the CIFT was also offering consultancy services to the Philippines and other countries and earning consultancy fees. "In tune with the new philosophy that research institutes should be self-supporting, we are doing our bit to reduce dependence on the Government," he explained.

More Stories on : Aquaculture | IPR | Andhra Pradesh

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