Brackishwater catfish (Mystus gulio) is an important species for aquaculture diversification. Kakdwip Research Centre of ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) has developed cost-effective hatchery and seed production technology of this species. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh for technology transfer on consultancy mode. Technical guidance on hatchery design, construction and seed production were provided for production of first batch of hatchery-bred seeds on 16th July, 2021 and then nursery reared for 40 days. The hatchery-produced seeds were distributed to the farmers on 25th August, 2021 by Shri.Simhadri Ramesh Babu, the Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Avanigadda, Krishna district, A.P. While addressing the farmers, the MLA emphasized that small scale farmers can get good profit by taking up the culture of M. gulio. Dr. K. P. Jithendran, Director, ICAR-CIBA emphasized that the cost-effective hatchery seed production technology of M. gulio will have a positive impact on brackishwater aquaculture diversification and a make-in India technology for employment generation among the coastal families of West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, where this fish is naturally available. This technology transfer was witnessed by the Joint Director Fisheries, Krishna District, and Deputy Director of Fisheries, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Krishna district.
