ICAR-CIBA organized a Farmers-Scientists-Industry interaction meet titled “Brackishwater aquaculture species and system diversification” in virtual mode on 1st September 2021 to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence (Bharat Ki Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav 2021-22).
The event had about 124 participants, including aqua farmers, technicians, entrepreneurs, researchers, students etc. In his inaugural, Dr. K.P. Jithendran, Director, ICAR-CIBA, emphasized the importance of species and system diversification in brackishwater aquaculture as a strategy for sustainable production and to mitigate farming risks. He underlined that the Bio-Diversity Index (BDI) of aquaculture in India is relatively low (0.13) vis-à-vis other Asian countries (0.5). Therefore, agro-ecosystem-based species and system diversification is important to sustain aquaculture and improve the livelihoods of the farm families.
The interaction meet had three technical sessions viz., species diversification in crustacean aquaculture, species diversification in finfish aquaculture and system diversification in brackishwater aquaculture. The subject matter scientists highlighted the potential species for diversification and technology available for the same. In each session, the experts answered the queries raised by the participating aqua farmers and other stakeholders. Dr. T. Ravisankar, Dr. K.P. Kumaraguru Vasagam and Dr. P.K. Patil Principal Scientists moderated the deliberations. In his concluding remarks, the Director highlighted that CIBA is on the right track with the visible efforts and outputs in species and system diversification in brackishwater aquaculture through specific research and extension efforts. The event was coordinated by ITMU Unit of ICAR-CIBA.