ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) conducted five day training on ‘Shrimp culture and disease management in inland saline areas’ from 12 to 16 December, 2022 for the Government officials and progressive farmers of Punjab state.
The training module consisted of both theory and practical sessions on shrimp farming systems and management, soil and water quality management, update on major shrimp diseases and hands-on laboratory sessions in various laboratories, field visits to shrimp and finfish hatcheries, farms, biofloc unit and feed mill. Further, the participants were given customised knowledge on inland-saline water shrimp farming operations like grow-out production, diversification, diseases and health management, judicious use of veterinary medicinal products, soil and water quality requirements and mobile apps developed by ICAR-CIBA efficient shrimp farming.
The training programme was inaugurated on 12th December, 2022 by the Dr. Kuldeep K. Lal, Director, who highlighted the importance of inland saline aquaculture and the marketing aspects in landlocked state like Punjab. He also cautioned farmers to avoid escape of introduction of carnivorous fish for aquaculture and the risks involved. Dr. K.P. Jithendran, SIC, Aquatic Animal Health and Environment Division (AAHED) and coordinator of the programme underlined the issues and problems of inland saline shrimp farming and the efforts taken by the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India for promotion of inland saline shrimp culture.
In addition to the training module, an interactive session was organised with representatives from All India Shrimp Hatcheries Association (AISHA) and Society of Aquaculture Professionals (SAP) wherein Mr. Ramraj Dhamodar and Mr. S. Chandrasekar represented the above institutions interacted with the trainees on issues related to seed, feed and other aqua-inputs in the context of inland saline aquaculture. They also clarified all doubts from farmer’s side and assured all possible support in future for the development of the sector. Similarly, another discussion session was also conducted on crop insurance for shrimp farming which was attended by Mr.C.A. Srinivasan, Vice-President and Mr. K.V. Parthasarathy, Divisional Manager, Alliance Brokers Private Ltd, Chennai. Trainees were also interacted with start-up entrepreneurs promoted by ICAR-CIBA on digital platform and molecular diagnostics in shrimp farming.
The training concluded with a valedictory function on 16th December, 2022 with a positive feedback from the trainees and distribution of certificates.
