CMFRI Matsya Mela to begin on Feb. 1

The three-day Matsya Mela that begins at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) from Saturday (February 1) will showcase a wide array of products, including seafood varieties, locally produced farm products and a drone exhibition.

Organised as part of the 78th Foundation Day celebration, the Matsya Mela features seafood fest, technology exhibition, buyer-seller meet, open house, workshops and training sessions. The fest is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The seafood fest featuring local delicacies of Kallummakaya (green mussel), oyster, octopus, and various fish and shrimp varieties will be one of the highlights of the event. Stalls of women self-help groups, Kudumbashree units, and seafood entrepreneurs will offer dishes made of marine and backwater varieties.

Adding a unique touch, traditional Lakshadweep dishes will also be showcased. In addition, depurated oysters, known for their rich nutritional values, will be available for live consumption, according to a CMFRI press release here on Thursday. Free health check-ups for the diagnosis of lifestyle diseases, along with corresponding diet counselling will be offered at the fest.

The fest will connect farmers directly with consumers, featuring a Matsya Mela with a buyer-seller meet. It will showcase locally produced items such as millets, nutritional products, Pokkali varieties, native jaggery, traditional sweets, spices, pickles, honey, and fresh and processed fish products. Besides, pearl spot fingerlings, ornamental fishes, vegetable seedlings, medicinal plants, seeds, organic manures, and health and wellness products will be displayed.