SHILLONG — Meghalaya fisheries officials have been trained to use rapid test kits to screen fresh fish for formaldehyde, commonly known as formalin, and ammonia, with results visible within 2–3 minutes.
The training was conducted at Umiam by the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ri Bhoi under the ICAR Research Complex for the North Eastern Hill Region.
Twenty officers from the Fisheries Department, along with Subject Matter Specialists from KVKs across Meghalaya, attended the programme. Dr A.K. Mohanty, Director of ICAR-ATARI Zone-VII, Umiam, was the chief guest.
Scientists and technical staff from ICAR-CIFT demonstrated paper-strip based rapid testing methods for detecting formaldehyde and ammonia. The participants were trained to take samples from fish surfaces, apply the required reagents and read the resulting colour changes against standard charts.
The testing method is designed for field use and can allow officials to carry out preliminary checks at fish landing centres, wholesale markets and retail outlets. Samples requiring further examination can then be subjected to laboratory testing.
The programme also addressed the monitoring of fish entering Meghalaya from outside the state, with the organisers noting that a substantial portion of fish consumed in Meghalaya is sourced from elsewhere.
Dr M. Mokidul Islam, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK Ri Bhoi, urged the participating officials and specialists to use the training to strengthen food-safety monitoring across the state.
