The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has started a research study to develop lab-grown fish meat. In this groundbreaking initiative, India will soon have its first lab-grown fish meat, meticulously designed to emulate the original flavour, texture, and nutritional value of natural fish.
The Kochi-based CMFRI has partnered with a start-up, Neat Meatt Biotech, which is working on cultivated meat. CMFRI will be responsible for conducting research on the early cell line development of valuable marine fish species, including the isolation and culture of fish cells. It will also manage the project’s analytical, biochemical, and genetic tasks.
The anticipated lab-grown fish meat will be crafted by isolating specific cells from fish specimens and nurturing them within laboratory confines, utilising animal component-free media. Meanwhile, Neat Meatt will assume the responsibility for crafting scaffolds or microcarriers, refining optimal cell growth conditions, and amplifying production through bioreactors.
India’s determination to meet rising seafood demand while reducing pressure on wild resources led to the creation of this innovative initiative. Additionally, it aims to position India alongside trailblazing countries like Singapore, Israel, and the US in the realm of cultured seafood research.
