In a pioneering initiative, the ICAR – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kerala, India, has embarked on the development of lab-grown fish meat, marking a significant first for the country. This project focuses on cultivating fish meat in a laboratory setting through cell culture techniques. The research is currently being conducted on high-value marine fishes like seer fish and pomfret, which are in high demand.
The goal of this initiative is to produce meat that has the distinctive taste and nutritional attributes of fish, addressing the growing demand for marine food resources while reducing the strain on overexploited marine fisheries. This endeavor involves isolating specialized cells from fish and growing them in a laboratory environment using animal component-free media, with the aim of replicating the original flavor, texture, and nutritional qualities of the fish.
CMFRI has partnered with Neat Meatt Biotech, a Delhi-based startup, for this public-private research collaboration. This partnership is seen as a crucial step towards sustainable and safe seafood production, aligning India with countries like Singapore, Israel, and the USA, which are also advancing in the field of cultured seafood research.
The CMFRI, equipped with a dedicated Cell Culture Laboratory, will focus on the development of marine fish cells and carry out genetic, biochemical, and analytical work related to the project. Neat Meatt Biotech will contribute its expertise in cell culture technology, focusing on optimizing cell growth media, developing scaffolds or microcarriers for cell attachment, and scaling up production through bioreactors. This collaborative effort is expected to help India make significant strides in the emerging industry of lab-grown fish meat, aiming to provide environmental and food security benefits.
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