ICAR-CIBA Nutrition team was awarded with Nanaji Deshmukh ICAR Award for outstanding interdisciplinary team research in Agriculture and allied sciences 2015-16 in the category of Animal and Fisheries Sciences. The nutrition team comprising of Dr. K. Ambasankar, Dr. J. Syama Dayal, Dr. K.P. Kumaraguru Vasagam, Late Shri. S. Stanline, Dr. P. Nila Rekha, Dr. Debasis De, Shri. Sandeep, K.P, Dr. T.K. Ghoshal and Dr. K.K. Vijayan. The team leader, Dr. K. Ambasankar, Principal Scientist received the award from Dr. T. Mohapatra, Hon’ble secretary DARE and Director General ICAR, on the occasion of Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela organized at ICAR- IARI New Delhi on 5th March 2019. The Award carries a citation and cash prize of INR 5 Lakhs. The team has successfully developed indigenous feed processing technologies and cost-effective feeds for all the life stages of potential candidate brackishwater shell fish and finfish species cultured in India. The team could successfully downsize the commercial feed mill machinery and customize the requirements and processing conditions as per the demand of the clients. Extensive research on indigenous ingredients and the expertise on feed formulations could lead to the development of cost-effective sustainable feeds benefitting the small and medium aquaculture farmers in the country. The output of the team research has benefitted the farming community through availability of cost-effective feeds (INR 60-65 per kg against the commercial feeds at INR 75-85 per kg) which could increase the profit margin of the farmers to a tune of INR 30,000 to 40,0000 per acre and paving the way for sustainability and increased area of shrimp culture
