India’s Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute Launches Pioneering Project to Cultivate Fish

India’s Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has launched a pioneering project in collaboration with Neat Meatt to cultivate fish using cellular agriculture. The aim is to address the increasing demand for fish while minimizing the environmental impact of overfishing and traditional fishing practices. The project will focus on developing a commercially viable process for large-scale production of high-value species such as kingfish.

The initiative is part of India’s efforts to advance its bioeconomy by driving investments in the smart protein sector. The country’s regulatory framework, established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), paves the way for approving and distributing cultivated meat and other novel foods. With the potential to offer significant economic opportunities and relieve pressure on ocean ecosystems, alternative seafood sources like cultivated fish are gaining traction in the APAC region.