ICAR–CIBA, Chennai Demonstrates Fishmeal-Free Shrimp Production through SIPNSF

Zero-Fishmeal Diet Achieves Comparable Production, Demonstrating Potential for Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture

7 August 2026, Chennai

ICAR–Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, successfully conducted a Front-Line Demonstration (FLD) on fishmeal-free shrimp production using the Super-Intensive Precision and Natural Shrimp Farming System (SIPNSF) at its model demonstration facility at the Muttukadu Experimental Station.

The 98-day culture trial demonstrated the technical feasibility of eliminating fishmeal from shrimp feed without compromising production performance. The shrimp fed with a zero-fishmeal diet recorded a production of 2.30 tonnes, compared to 2.44 tonnes with the conventional control feed, indicating comparable production performance under the SIPNSF system.

The SIPNSF technology consistently achieved a productivity of 4.5–5.0 kg/m³, equivalent to approximately 45–50 tonnes/ha/crop, within a culture period of 90–100 days. The system is designed to support intensive shrimp production while promoting efficient resource utilization and sustainable aquaculture practices.

The harvest under the FLD-cum-interaction programme was inaugurated by Dr M. Kailasam, Director, ICAR–CIBA, on 7 August 2026. Around 30 stakeholders, including shrimp farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, academicians, students and feed millers, participated in the programme. The participants witnessed the harvest operation and assessed the performance of the SIPNSF system and shrimp fed with the zero-fishmeal diet.

The successful demonstration marks an important step towards reducing the dependence of shrimp aquaculture on fishmeal and promoting more sustainable feed practices. The results also highlight the potential of SIPNSF as a scalable, farmer-friendly and environmentally sustainable technology for intensive shrimp production.

The initiative reinforces ICAR–CIBA’s continued efforts towards developing innovative aquaculture technologies that combine production efficiency, environmental sustainability and economic viability, while addressing emerging challenges in shrimp farming.

(Source: ICAR–Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai)