Promotion of native species of Indian White Shrimp need to be prioritized to avoid Single Species Model of Farming with exotic Vannamei: Shri Giriraj Singh

Promotion of native species of Indian White Shrimp need to be prioritized to avoid Single Species Model of Farming with exotic Vannamei: Shri Giriraj Singh

21st January, 2021, Chennai

Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying visited the Muttukadu Experimental Facilities of ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai today. The Union Minister interacted with the scientists on the new development in R&D at the Institute.

During his visit to the Shrimp and Finfish Hatchery Complex located at the Muttukadu Experimental Station of ICAR-CIBA, Shri Singh showed special interest in the breeding and farming of Indian White Shrimp (Penaeus indicus) initiated by the Institute. He emphasized on initiating a programme on the hatchery production of seed and farming of P. indicus, for the benefit of Indian Shrimp farmers.

Shri Singh released the import substitute of Shrimp Larval Feed using “Black Soldier Fly Meal” developed by the Institute, partnering with a “Soldier Fly Start-Up”.  The Union Minister also felicitated the ICAR-CIBA’s clientele - M/s Nambikkai Fish Farmers’ Group, Tamil Nadu and M/s Sai Aqua Feeds, Andhra Pradesh. Both the organizations were awarded the “Best Fisheries Self Help Group - 2020” and “Best Fisheries Enterprise Award - 2020” by the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad for their successful ventures on “Fish Waste-to-Wealth” and “Feed Processing Technology” of ICAR-CIBA, respectively.

Dr. Rajiv Ranjan, I.A.S., Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India; Shri J. Balaji, I.A.S., Joint Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India; Dr. K. Gopal, Principal Secretary, Fisheries, Government of Tamil Nadu; Dr. Smt. Kripa, Member Secretary, Coastal Aquaculture Authority, Government of India graced the occasion.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. K.K. Vijayan, Director, ICAR-CIBA highlighted the recent R&D accomplishments, recognition received by the Institute. He flagged the importance of promoting the farming of Indian White Shrimp, Institute’s research initiatives on the species and a road map for developing a selective breeding programme on a consortium mode.

The Development Department Officials, Scientists and Farmers also participated in the programme.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, Tamil Nadu)