A four-day workshop cum training programme on Biofloc technology was conducted at ICAR-CIBA, Chennai during 1st-4th May, 2023. Twenty participants with diverse background attended the training. Dr. Kuldeep K Lal, Director, CIBA, inaugurated the programme on 1st May, 2023 wherein he stressed on the importance of the biofloc farming practice in the field of aquaculture. He briefed on the importance of better management practices for sustainable aquaculture and emphasized that scientific knowledge behind the technology is important rather than believing the trends on social media. Dr. Jayanthi, Head, Crustacean Culture Division, CIBA gave the opening remarks on the training programme and explained about the technology, need for guidelines, and its role in achieving sustainable intensification. Dr. Akshaya Panigrahi, Principal Scientist & Course Coordinator, briefed about the structure of the training programme preceded by the self-introduction of trainees. Training manual on “Biofloc production technology” was also released by Director, CIBA.
The training programme included theory and practical classes on the generation of biofloc design and aeration, fish health, pre stocking, post stocking, feeding, management and economics of the biofloc farming activities. The practical sessions were organized at the biofloc facility in Muttukadu and Kelambakkam Experimental Stations of CIBA. The valedictory session was organized on 4th May 2023. Dr. Krishnan Pandian, Director, Bay of Bengal Programme, an Inter-Governmental Organization, Chennai graced the occasion as Guest of Honor, and emphasized on the adoption of the knowledge and skills by the trainees. The training evaluation report was presented in the valedictory function preceded by the feedback from the trainees. In the feedback session, the trainees opined that they were satisfied by the content of the training programme and the knowledge acquired through this training programme will help them in setting up biofloc based aquaculture unit. Certificates were distributed to the participants there after.
