A “Hands-on skill development training on Aquafeed Preparation Techniques and Quality Control” was conducted by ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), Chennai, from 27th to 29th September 2022. This specialized training was aimed to offer skill development in indigenous aqua feed formulation, feed processing using extruder and pelletizer and feed management for sustainable brackishwater aquaculture. Twenty one participants from four states of India with diverse professional backgrounds such as farm managers, potential entrepreneurs, farm owners, feed mill technicians, academicians and aqua input suppliers participated in training. Participants were practically trained in feed formulation and feed manufacturing with the state-of-the art feed mill and analytical facilities. Trainees learned the fundamentals of aqua nutrition, feed formulations, and feed management in relation to the biology of shrimps, crabs and fishes.
On concluding this three-day training program, Dr. K.P. Jithendran, Director, ICAR-CIBA interacted with the trainees during the training program and stressed the significance of the feed in aquaculture and the pioneering role played by CIBA in the sector. The trainees shared their feedback about the usefulness of this training and some of them expressed their willingness to have 10-day long training program. Some of the trainees wanted to partner with CIBA to take up the feed manufacturing business. Dr. K. Ambasankar, Scientist In-charge, Nutrition section briefed on the training highlights and thanked all the participants for showing an overwhelming interest in the training and further translating this knowledge and skills to the rapidly growing aquaculture sector.
