The national apex body of fisheries cooperatives FISHCOPFED is attempting to increase its trade and seeking help from International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) in it.
Mr B K Mishra, the Managing Director of the Fishcopfed told Indian Cooperative the Federation is in talks with the ICA Asia-Pacific to work out modalities. “The new Regional Director Mr Balasubramaniyam Iyer has evinced interest in our efforts”, Mishra added.
“In order to help our members we are trying to find new markets. In particular, we are aiming at our three neighbouring countries Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka”, MD said.
The ICA A-P has presence in these areas and could act as bridge between us and them, Mishra affirmed.
The Regional Director who is popularly known as Balu in the cooperative circles endorsed Mishra’s view and said the ICA would extend all help possible in the matter.
A green horn himself Mr Iyer is trying to acclimatize himself to the nuances of the cooperative sector in this part of the world. On a visit to the Fishcopfed headquarters he said his visit is aimed at understanding the fisheries federation.
“I am told they are running several training programs. I wish to know how we can extend our collaborative efforts encompassing them all.”
Joining recently Mr Iyer is on an introductory trip to several cooperatives in Delhi.” I had been to NCUI, IFFCO and Kribhco so far. But I wish to visit other cooperatives sooner than later, he said during a visit to the Fishcopfed headquarters.
