Memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between ICAR-CIBA and M/S Hatsun Agro Products Ltd. Chennai on 29th Aug 2016 for a collaborative research project on the development of biodynamic products for application in shrimp aquaculture. The joint research project will be focusing on developing and optimizing the products based on the microbial biotechnology from low-value animal and dairy bio-byproducts (BBP) for their potential application in the field of agriculture and aquaculture. The technology is expected to boost the pond health and animal health, both fish and shrimp, with higher production keeping the environmental sustainability. Such products will help in the profitability in shrimp and fish production. This green technology can be also used for the production of organic shrimp.
During his introductory remarks Dr.K.K.Vijayan, Director, ICAR-CIBA emphasized the overall goal of the institute to help farmers to promote economically feasible, environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable aquaculture in India. He appreciated the efforts taken by Mr Chandramoulee and Hatsun Agro Products Ltd. for formulating a joint work program with scientists of CIBA and their willingness to share the expenses and expected income.
Mr Ramachandran, Chief Finance Officer (CFO), M/S Hatsun Agro Products Ltd. gave the brief about the investment by the company on Research and Development and ethical values followed in the organization. He expressed the willingness of the company to cooperate with CIBA in developing eco-friendly and sustainable products for aquaculture so that society at large is benefited. Mr Prasanna Venkatesh, Vice President (Marketing) M/S Hatsun Agro Products Ltd. Chennai explained the marketing strategies followed in Hatsun to fulfil the corporate responsibilities and how the company in changing the lives of backward areas of rural Tamil Nadu is a part of the white revolution. Mr Chandramoulee, Director, M/S Shri Godhan Biosol Pvt. Ltd., Chennai stressed the need for using Indian traditional knowledge, and its translation through further R&D to solve the problems in the areas of food production and environmental protection.
Earlier, Dr.T.Ravisankar, Principal Scientist and In-Charge, Institute Technology Management-Agricultural Business Incubator Unit of CIBA welcomed the guests and explained the efforts taken at CIBA through ITM-ABI unit in bridging the institute and researchers with industry. He also explained the services provided by the ITM-ABI unit of ICAR-CIBA to several entrepreneurs in the shrimp farming industry. Dr.P.K. Patil, Senior Scientist and the Principal Investigator of the proposed collaborative project, gave a brief overview of the work program covered under the said MoU and scope for the products developed using microbial biotechnology on low-value bio-byproducts from livestock and dairy sector.
