Kochi-based Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) has received the certificate of registration for its refrigerated mobile fish vending kiosk.

The certificate of registration of the design has been awarded by the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks as recognition and accreditation to the innovative measures adopted for the upgradation of the post-harvest fisheries sector by CIFT by ensuring hygiene and freshness in retail fish selling.

The Refrigerated Mobile Fish Vending Kiosk has been developed for the purpose of selling fish at the consumers’ doorsteps, while keeping its freshness intact by maintaining it inside a closed refrigerated chamber with a temperature level of zero to four degree Celsius under hygienic conditions. The main components of the kiosk are fish storage and display chamber, hand-operated de-scaling machine, fish dressing deck with inbuilt wash basin, water tank, cutting tool, waste collection chamber and working space.

The de-scaling machine attached to the kiosk helps remove the scales while cleaning the fish, and extend the edible quality of fish for four to five days, thus increasing the marginal benefit for fish vendors. The cost of a standard kiosk which can display 30 kg of fish and separately store 100 kg of fish in an ice-box is ₹52,000 plus taxes.

The vending kiosks are manufactured and distributed through CIFT-approved empanelled agencies. So far, seven kiosks have been commercialised to various fish vendors in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Besides, under a scheme of Kerala State Fisheries Department, 20 kiosks have been fabricated for the benefit of fisherwomen self-help groups (SHGs) under the aegis of the Society for Assistance to Fisherwomen (SAF).

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