The ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, will help the Andaman and Nicobar Administration pursue Geographical Indication (GI) tags for two traditional island fish products — Chilled Andaman Coral Trout (Dollar Fish) and Nicobari Thoharango, a smoked-and-dried fish product. The institute announced on 22 October 2026 that it has signed two consultancy agreements with the Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Sri Vijaya Puram, covering GI tagging support and the standardisation of fishing boat designs.
Two Products Heading for GI Tags
A GI tag is a form of intellectual property that certifies a product comes from a specific geographical origin and carries qualities or reputation linked to that place. For the islands, GI tagging is expected to protect the identity of traditional products, help preserve age-old processing practices, and improve their market value and commercial reach.
| Product | Type | CIFT’s role |
|---|---|---|
| Chilled Andaman Coral Trout (Dollar Fish) | Fresh/chilled fish product | Nutritional profiling, shelf-life studies, safety protocols |
| Nicobari Thoharango | Smoked and dried traditional fish product | Nutritional profiling, shelf-life studies, safety protocols |
What CIFT Will Actually Do
Under the first consultancy, ICAR-CIFT will undertake nutritional profiling and shelf-life studies of both products, develop standardised safety protocols, and provide technical training to local and tribal producers. The stated goal: improve product quality, preserve traditional fish processing practices, enhance market access, and increase the commercial value of these indigenous products.
Second Deal: 30 Standardised Fishing Boat Designs
The second consultancy is aimed squarely at the islands’ fishing fleet. ICAR-CIFT will provide 30 standardised fishing boat designs of different sizes and categories, covering both motorised and mechanised boats. Each package will include revised drawings, technical specifications and cost estimates, with construction materials such as wood, fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP), wood with FRP coating, and steel — to facilitate boat construction by eligible beneficiaries under the Union Territory Plan.
Who Signed What
The memoranda of agreement were exchanged between Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, and Nesnas E A, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration. According to the institute’s statement, the collaboration aims to strengthen the fisheries sector, improve livelihood opportunities for local and tribal communities, and promote sustainable, technology-driven fisheries development in the islands.
Why This Matters
For island fishers and tribal producers, the twin push — branding their catch through GI tags and safer, standardised boats — tackles two real constraints: low recognition (and price) for traditional products, and dependence on informal boat designs. If the GI applications succeed, Andaman’s Dollar Fish and Nicobari Thoharango would carry a protected origin name that sets them apart in premium markets.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (Kochi), via The Hindu BusinessLine, 22 Oct 2026 — “ICAR-CIFT to support GI tagging of traditional Andaman fish products”
- The Hindu, 22 Oct 2026 — “CIFT to provide technical support to Andaman and Nicobar administration”
- edexlive / metrovaartha PTI reprints, 22 Oct 2026 — same announcement confirmed