The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has made an initiative in a pioneering project to develop lab-grown fish meat in India, which aims to produce cultured marine fish meat in india, addressing the surging demand for seafood while removing ressure on wild resources.
The CMFRI announced that cultivated fish meat, or lab-grown fish meat, involves isolating specific cells from fish and cultivating them in a laboratory setting using animal component-free media. The final product is designed to replicate the original flavor, texture, and nutritional qualities of the fish, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fishing practices.
In the initial phase, CMFRI is concentrating on developing cell-based meat from high-value marine fishes such as kingfish, pomfret, and seer fish. To accelerate this initiative, CMFRI has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Neat Meatt Biotech, a startup specializing in cultivated meat. The partnership operates in a public-private mode to combine CMFRI's marine research expertise with Neat Meatt's technological know-how.
CMFRI Director A Gopalakrishnan and Neat Meatt Biotech's Co-founder and CEO Sandeep Sharma recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). As per the agreement, CMFRI will lead research on early cell line development of high-value marine fish species, involving the isolation and cultivation of fish cells for further research and development. The institute will also manage genetic, biochemical, and analytical aspects of the project.
Neat Meatt, with its proficiency in cell culture technology, will take charge of optimizing cell growth media, developing scaffolds or microcarriers for cell attachment, and scaling up production through bioreactors. The startup will provide necessary consumables, manpower, and additional equipment required for the project.
"This project aims to accelerate development in this field, ensuring India is not left behind in this emerging industry," stated A Gopalakrishnan, CMFRI Director.
He added “This public-private partnership marks a crucial step in bridging the gap between India and other nations like Singapore, Israel, and the USA, who are already advancing cultured seafood research.”
“Lab-grown fish offers immense potential for environmental and food security benefits, and this collaboration leverages CMFRI’s marine research expertise with Neat Meatt’s technological know-how in this field, paving the way for a sustainable and secure future for seafood production in India”, Gopalakrishnan said.
Sandeep Sharma expressed confidence that the proof of concept for the project could be established within a couple of months, marking a significant step toward a sustainable and secure future for seafood production in India. The partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in India's emergence as a key player in the global arena of lab-grown seafood.
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