Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 May 2025
A three-day training programme on Shrimp and Mud Crab Farming was inaugurated on 21st May 2025, at the Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill. The initiative is being jointly organized by the Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with ICAR–Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai.
Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Secretary (Fisheries), A&N Administration, inaugurated the programme, which aims to promote sustainable aquaculture practices and strengthen livelihood opportunities for coastal communities in the Islands. A total of 25 beneficiaries from South Andaman and North & Middle Andaman are participating in the training.
In her address, Ms. Jyoti Kumari commended the expert team from ICAR-CIBA and urged participants to take full advantage of the training to enhance their technical skills and income prospects. “Such initiatives not only empower individuals but also contribute to strengthening the quality and sustainability of brackishwater aquaculture in the Islands. This is essential if we are to position the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a significant player in India’s seafood market,” she said.
She also encouraged the trainees to apply for financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to further develop their aquaculture ventures. On the occasion, the Secretary released a detailed training manual prepared by ICAR-CIBA.
Dr. K. Ambasankar, Head of the Nutrition, Genetics & Biotechnology Division at ICAR-CIBA, highlighted the Islands’ potential for brackishwater aquaculture, citing the pristine environment and rich natural resources. He emphasized that the training has been designed to offer both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Topics covered include shrimp culture techniques, broodstock development and management in mud crabs, and innovative farming systems tailored for sustainable development.
The sessions are being conducted by a team of experts from ICAR-CIBA, including Dr. A. Panigrahi, Principal Scientist, and Dr. Raymond Jani Angel, Senior Scientist, alongside Dr. Ambasankar. As part of the programme, participants will also visit a shrimp farm in Mannarghat and a crab fattening facility in Wandoor for practical exposure.
Mr. Bhargav Chakravarty, Assistant Director of Fisheries (Extension & Training), also addressed the gathering. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Iswar Rao, Assistant Fisheries Development Officer.
The training programme is part of a broader initiative to enhance capacity building and promote sustainable fisheries development across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.