The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in sustainable aquaculture by successfully cultivating mud crabs in earthen ponds. This innovative approach not only addresses the rising demand for seafood but also promotes ecological balance and economic sustainability in coastal areas.
Rapid Growth and High Yield
The mud crab aquaculture programme at ICAR-CIBA has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, growing hatchery-reared mud crab instars from a mere 2 grams to marketable sizes exceeding 500 grams in just 165 days. The programme recorded a total production of 70 kilograms, with an impressive average body weight of 720 grams per crab. The survival rate of 45% is particularly noteworthy, given the challenges associated with mud crab farming, and was achieved with a rearing density of 300 crabs per acre.
Diversification and Sustainability
Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director of ICAR-CIBA, emphasized the significance of mud crab farming in diversifying brackishwater aquaculture. This initiative ensures the sector’s resilience and provides sustainable livelihoods to coastal communities. “Mud crab farming is not only an answer to future demand but also an essential component in maintaining the ecological balance and economic stability of coastal communities,” Dr. Lal noted.
Community Involvement and Training
The success of this programme was demonstrated under the Scheduled Caste Special Programme in Pattipulam village, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. Local coastal communities were actively involved in the project, gaining hands-on experience through a harvest-cum-field day event organized at the site. This event showcased the profitability of mud crab farming and its potential as a lucrative livelihood option for these communities.
Enhancing Food Security and Economic Opportunities
As global demand for seafood continues to rise, initiatives like ICAR-CIBA’s mud crab aquaculture programme are crucial for securing food and economic opportunities for future generations. This achievement underscores the success of sustainable aquaculture practices and presents a viable opportunity for coastal communities to enhance their income through mud crab farming.
NABL Accreditation and Research Excellence
In addition to its achievements in mud crab aquaculture, ICAR-CIBA has also been recognized for its research excellence. The institute has received NABL accreditation for its National Referral Laboratory for Brackishwater Aquatic Animal Diseases (NRLBAAD) as per the standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017, further solidifying its position as a leader in brackishwater aquaculture research and development.
In conclusion, ICAR-CIBA’s breakthrough in sustainable mud crab aquaculture marks a significant step forward in promoting environmentally friendly and economically viable aquaculture practices in India. This initiative not only supports the livelihoods of coastal communities but also contributes to the country’s food security and trade revenues, positioning India at the forefront of global aquaculture innovation.