“Family farming” for crab fattening: an innovative initiative of ICAR-NBFGR in promoting the livelihood for the coastal fishers of Pitchavaram mangrove region

6^th February 2023, Pitchavaram

Director, ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow is associated with the Fish for All Centre of the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has undertaken an innovative initiative for the livelihood development of the region’s local community under the Tribal Sub Plan programme of the institute.

The fattening of the mud crab, Scylla serrata for a period of a few weeks will be able to provide additional income to the local community. The moulting stage crabs are called water crabs locally, contain mostly water in the body composition, and will be grown (fattening) under the captive condition for a period of three weeks so that the weight will be gained to a considerable level. 

The entire family is involved in the activities associated with the fattening of crabs, with minimal time spent of less than half an hour per day. The fattening will aid in gaining weight up to 75-100%, drastically increasing the market value. The fisherwomen associated with the programme could able to earn up to Rs. 2000/- in three weeks’ time, which provides them with financial freedom.

A water-crab distribution programme was organized at the Pitchavaram region today.

Dr U.K Sarkar, Director, ICAR-NBFGR distributed the crabs to the women beneficiaries.

Dr. Velvizhi, Head of MSSRF, Fish for All Centre emphasized the importance of the ongoing collaborative activity for the livelihood development of the local community of the region and urged the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity to the fullest.

At present, 15 beneficiaries are getting benefited which will be extended to another 35 beneficiaries in near future by expanding the number of cages etc. In addition to the mud crab, two fish species, Etroplus suratensis and Lates calcarifer will also be supplied for steady increase in the income of the beneficiaries.

The water crab and technical know-how are being provided to the beneficiaries for the fattening of mud crabs.

(Source: Director, ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow)