ICAR-CIBA formed a strategic alliance with M/s. Coastal Corporation Ltd, Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh for production of indigenous shrimp larval feed. Quality larval feeds are the central element for successful hatchery operation. At present the larval feeds used in India wholly imported and expensive. In this context a cost-effective indigenous larval feeds for shrimp is the need of the hour for sustainable aquaculture. Focused research efforts at CIBA over the last five years resulted in development of CIBA Shrimp LarviPlus. This feed has been tested and demonstrated for its effectiveness in various shrimp hatcheries in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. In an effort to promote the shrimp larval feed production in line with the make in India programme of Govt. of India, ICAR-CIBA has signed a MoU for the manufacture of indigenous shrimp larval feed on 6th May, 2022 in the presence of Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, New Delhi. Dr. Jena during his address appreciated the scientists and highlighted the necessity for promoting indigenous larval feed.
According to Dr. K.P. Jithendran, Director, CIBA this effort will undoubtedly improve the economic benefits, contribute to innovation and growth and encourage sustainability and competitiveness in the aquafeed sector in the longer run. He also expressed his wish that it should be a long-lasting and beneficial journey to share both sides’ experiences. Mr. V.R. Sharma, Vice President, Coastal Corporation Ltd. narrated his three decades of hatchery and farming experience and shared the encouraging trial results obtained with CIBA shrimp LarviPlus and his intention to take this technology not only in India but also at global level.
Dr. K. Ambasankar, Principal Scientist and team leader for the feed technology, briefed the significance of this MoU and outlined the genesis of this initiative. He stressed that this technology would benefit the aquaculture sector in long run. The event was organized by the Institute Technology Management Unit (ITMU) of ICAR-CIBA. Earlier, Dr P.K. Patil, Principal Scientist & Officer in-Charge, ITMU greeted the gathering and briefed the framework of the approach of this program and proposed vote of thanks.
