In a landmark event for the seafood industry, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) hosted the International Conclave on NextGen Technologies in the Seafood Sector on 30th August 2024, at the prestigious Grand Hyatt Convention Centre, Kochi. The conclave brought together 150 distinguished stakeholders, including exporters, farmers, hatchery operators, academicians, researchers, and financiers, with the aim of exploring innovative solutions to revolutionise the seafood sector.
Setting the Tone for Technological Transformation
The event was inaugurated by Shri Loknath Behera IPS (Rtd.), Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd., who highlighted the critical role of advanced technologies and AI in ensuring sustainable, efficient, and high-quality seafood production for both domestic and international markets. His inspiring address emphasised the importance of integrating modern tools to enhance the seafood industry’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Dr. M. Karthikeyan, Director of MPEDA, welcomed the participants and underscored the event’s objective: to introduce pioneering technologies poised to transform seafood processing and aquaculture. The conclave also featured felicitations by Dr. K. Inkarsal, Chief General Manager of NABARD, Mumbai, and Shri Alex Ninan, Vice President of SEAI.
Showcasing Cutting-Edge Innovations
Over the course of the day, 11 groundbreaking technologies were presented across three sessions, each moderated by prominent experts in the field. Here’s a closer look at the innovations that took centre stage:
Session 1: Pioneering Solutions
- Installation of Solar-Powered Chiller Plant Onboard a Fishing Trawler
Presenter: Mr. Larson D’Sa, M/s Goa Solar Powerhouse, Goa.
This presentation explored sustainable cooling solutions for fishing trawlers, reducing carbon footprints while ensuring optimal seafood preservation. - Nanosolutions for Mercury Sensing: Handheld Mercury Sensor
Presenter: Prof. Sumit Saxena, IIT Mumbai.
An advanced device offering quick and reliable mercury detection to ensure food safety in the seafood supply chain. - A Novel Molecular Approach for Combating Seafood Fraud in Crustaceans
Presenter: Mr. Gururaj Moorthy, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand.
This innovation addressed seafood fraud using molecular techniques, ensuring authenticity and traceability. - Fully Automated, Patented Off-Ground Wastewater Treatment Technology
Presenter: Mr. B. Assalam, M/s Almighty Engineering, Tamil Nadu.
A revolutionary solution for sustainable aquaculture wastewater management.
Session 2: Technological Advances in Traceability and Data Management
- Innovations for Traceability: Safer Products for People & the Planet
Presenter: Mr. Jayan Nallacherry, M/s TRALEXHO, Bangalore.
A comprehensive approach to improving product safety through advanced traceability systems. - API-Based Blockchain System for Traceability and Data Storage in Seafood Supply Chain
Presenter: Mr. Stafan Alex Alexander, M/s Nextler Innovations, Kerala.
Blockchain-powered solutions for secure and transparent seafood supply chains. - Aquascope: Knowledge Graph-Based Human-Centric Generative AI Tools for Aquaculture
Presenter: Mr. Sooraj K Babu, M/s NeuBiom Labs, Wayanad, Kerala.
Leveraging AI to support decision-making and efficiency in aquaculture operations.
Session 3: Advanced Aquaculture Practices
- Real-Time Geo-Spatial Analysis for Aquaculture
Presenter: Mr. Pranit Mehta, M/s GalaxEye Space, Bangalore.
A state-of-the-art solution for mapping aquaculture environments with real-time spatial data. - Automated Shrimp Larvae Counting and Water Quality Monitoring (Bayline & Baylink)
Presenter: Mr. Sunkaranam Venkata Narayana Rao, M/s Sree Harinarayana Shrimp Technologies, Andhra Pradesh.
Tools designed to optimize shrimp farming efficiency and sustainability. - Teora’s SOLAQ Platform for Aquaculture Disease Management
Presenter: Mr. Shanmukha Harish Kumar Paruvada, M/s Teora Lifesciences, Bangalore.
A disease management platform promoting healthier aquaculture ecosystems. - Moving Intelligent Auto Feeder (MILA Feeder)
Presenter: Mr. Vanka Sai Naga Lokesh, M/s Milatronics Pvt. Ltd., Andhra Pradesh.
A smart feeding system improving feed efficiency and reducing waste.
Expert Insights and Panel Discussions
Each session featured panel discussions moderated by experts, including Dr M. Neelakandan (CIFNET), Dr T. Ravisankar (ICAR-CIBA), and Dr. K. Inkarsal (NABARD). The sessions provided participants with actionable insights on adopting these technologies in real-world scenarios.
Conclusion and Way Forward
The conclave concluded with valedictory remarks by Dr. K. Inkarsal, who emphasised the transformative potential of the showcased technologies. Shri Anil Kumar P., Joint Director of MPEDA, summarised the event, reiterating the need for industry stakeholders to embrace innovation for sustainable growth. Dr. Ram Mohan M.K., Joint Director, MPEDA, proposed the vote of thanks, appreciating the collaborative effort of all participants.
A Milestone for the Seafood Sector
The International Conclave on NextGen Technologies in the Seafood Sector was a resounding success, marking a significant step towards modernising the industry. By bringing together visionaries, stakeholders, and policymakers, MPEDA has paved the way for a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand, ensuring a thriving seafood sector for generations to come.