A newly constructed modular biofloc nursery rearing unit for shrimp/fish was inaugurated at Kovalam experimental station (KES) of ICAR-CIBA on 7th May 2022. Hon’ble Deputy Director General (Fisheries) ICAR, Dr. J.K. Jena, inaugurated the facility and briefed about the importance of sustainable and modular culture methods for future aquaculture development. The newly opened system was stocked with shrimp and finfish seeds as a part of the inaugural function. In the inaugural speech Dr. J.K. Jena, emphasized that aquaculture in the future has to cope up with the climate change related issues and modular aquaculture units with climate control are the best option for the same. Dr. K.P. Jithendran, Director, ICAR-CIBA briefed the utility of biofloc systems and mentioned that these systems are the best models for bio secure culture of aquatic organisms. He also briefed about the various research activities being implemented at the centre and also discussed about the future development of the centre. Dr. Akshaya Panigrahi, Principal Scientist, CCD and PI of the program briefly explained the advantages of this biofloc unit, which will facilitate like a model nursery and grow-out rearing system to disseminate the technology. The newly inaugurated biofloc unit consist of culture tanks of 20 tonne capacity and sixty ton capacity reservoir tanks. The system was stocked with shrimp SPF P. vannamei in monoculture mode and fishes like mullets, milkfish and pearl spot in polyculture mode. The whole unit is a self-reliant system with reservoir tanks and water treatment system for proper biosecurity management. The unit also have inbuilt aeration machineries and genset for power backup. Dr. S. Kannappan, OIC, KES of CIBA, Dr. Aritra Bera, Scientist, FCD and other staff of the institute also participated in the event.
