MPEDA organises National Skill Olympiad to promote seafood value addition

The Olympiad, a pioneering initiative by MPEDA, was launched to promote value addition in seafood exports and create a skilled workforce in the sector

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) organised the grand finale of the inaugural National Skill Olympiad on seafood value addition at the Seafood Expo Bharat in Chennai. MPEDA is a statutory organisation under the administrative control of the Department of Commerce.

The Olympiad, a pioneering initiative by MPEDA, was launched to promote value addition in seafood exports and create a skilled workforce in the sector. In a closely contested final round, Thanseer KR of Abad Foods Malipuram, Kerala, was adjudged the winner. The awards were announced by Member of Parliament and Authority Member of MPEDA, Hibi George Eden and Chairman, MPEDA DV Swamy.

A total of four trained seafood processing professionals competed in the final round of the Olympiad. Balamurugan I from Edhayam Frozen Foods, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu secured the second position. Sandya Rani Palaparthi from Coastal Cooperation, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh stood third, while D Anitha from Sandhya Aqua Exports, Kakinada secured the fourth position. The finalists were evaluated on parameters such as quality, hygiene, execution, and presentation.

The winner received a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000. The second and third positions carried prize money of Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively. A consolation prize of Rs 25,000 was awarded for the fourth position. All four finalists were also presented with medals and certificates.