The initiative incorporates nutrient-rich powder made from small indigenous fish into school and Anganwadi meals helped to win the award
The research and technology contributions of the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) in Kochi, under its long-standing collaboration with WorldFish, have translated into a government-supported initiative aimed at improving child nutrition.George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, stated that the Institute’s work has been recognised through the successful implementation of the Matsya Paripushti (Complete Nourishment through Fish) initiative by the Assam Government.The initiative, which incorporates nutrient-rich powder made from small indigenous fish into school and Anganwadi meals, has received the Karmashree Award 2026 from the Assam Government. The recognition marks an important transition of fisheries research from the laboratory and field to government programmes and public policy.Achievement’s rootThe achievement has its roots in the CIFT–WorldFish collaborative research programme initiated in 2019. Under this collaboration, CIFT was entrusted with developing affordable, easy-to-prepare and nutritious fish-based food products targeting children and women, along with strategies for their effective implementation.Following extensive research and product development, CIFT developed a nutrient-rich fish powder from small indigenous fish that can be easily incorporated into a variety of food preparations. The technology has now been adopted under the Matsya Paripushti initiative in Assam.The recognition of Matsya Paripushti is a significant validation of the nutrition-sensitive fisheries approach promoted through the CIFT–WorldFish collaboration. It also highlights the potential of India’s small indigenous fish resources to address child malnutrition and improve dietary diversity while creating livelihood opportunities for women, strengthening local value chains and promoting sustainable fisheries-based food systems.Published on August 20, 2026
