Mud crabs (Scylla serrata) have been high valued delicacy in the seafood markets. Mud crab aquaculture program of ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture reached a milestone in crab farming in earthen ponds with a harvest from hatchery reared mud crab instars (~2 g) to marketable size crabs (above 500 g) within 165 days. A production of 70 kg with an average body weight of 720 g was achieved. The survival rate was 45% reasonably high for mud crabs, from a rearing density of 300 crabs per acre pond. The produce yielded ₹1, 10, 250 for the beneficiaries. ICAR-CIBA demonstrated Mud crab farming of under the Scheduled Caste Special Program (SCSP) with coastal communities of Pattipulam village, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu.
A harvest cum field day was organised on 5 October, 2024 at the demonstration site. Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director of ICAR-CIBA, witnessed the harvest and highlighted the growing importance of mud crab farming to meet the future demand and the role of mud crab farming in diversification of brackishwater aquaculture to ensure the sustainability of this sector in India. Dr. C.P. Balasubramanian, Principal Scientist & Head of the Crustacean Culture Division (CCD), provided a detailed overview of the scientific aspects of mud crab farming in India. Dr. P. Mahalakshmi, Principal Scientist & Nodal Officer of the SCSP program, pointed out the crucial role of this scheme in supporting the beneficiaries and reaching the benefits of brackishwater aquaculture to the coastal communities. This five months demonstration program was carried out under the supervision of CIBA Scientists Mr. R. Aravind, Dr. J.A.J. Raymond, Dr. K.P. Sandeep, and Mr.K.Anantharaja. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. J.A.J. Raymond, Scientist, acknowledging the contributions and efforts of all participants and stakeholders.
