Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: A three days long training programme on Shrimp and Mud Crab Farming jointly organized by Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration, in collaboration with ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai was inaugurated today by Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Secretary (Fisheries) at the Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill. The Training witnessed the active participation of 25 beneficiaries from South Andaman and N&M Andaman.
This initiative aimed to promote sustainable aquaculture by equipping participants with essential practical knowledge and technical skills in mud crab fattening and shrimp farming techniques. These farming practices are considered promising avenues for income generation and play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities in the Islands.
In her inaugural address, the Secretary (Fisheries), A&N Administration welcomed all participants and commended the expert team from ICAR-CIBA for leading the training and encouraged participants to make the most of this opportunity to upgrade their skills and improve their economic well-being. She emphasized that such programmes not only empower individual livelihoods but also contribute to enhancing the quality of brackishwater aquaculture production, which can help the Islands establish a stronger presence in the Seafood market of India. She encourages the trainees to implement the knowledge gained during the programme and actively contribute to building a more robust and resilient Brackishwater Aquaculture activity in the Islands by availing financial assistance under PMMSY. She also acknowledged the continued effort of the Department of Fisheries towards capacity building and the promotion of sustainable fisheries development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Secretary (Fisheries) also released the Training Manual prepared by ICAR-CIBA during the inaugural session.
In his address, Dr. K. Ambasankar, HoD, Nutrition, Genetics & Biotechnology Division of ICAR-CIBA, emphasized on the immense potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for brackishwater aquaculture, owing to the region’s natural pristine environment and availability of natural resources. He elaborated on the comprehensive nature of the training, which provided both theoretical and practical exposure. The curriculum focused on sustainable brackishwater aquaculture development in the Islands, shrimp culture techniques, broodstock development and management practices in mud crab, and emerging innovative farming systems etc. Dr. A Panigrahi, Principal Scientist and Dr. Raymond Jani Angel, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIBA along with Dr. K. Ambasankar will take various sessions during the 3 days programme. A field visit to Shrimp Farm at Mannarghat and Crab Fattening facility at Wandoor has also been scheduled as part of the training programme.
Shri Bhargav Chakravarty, Assistant Director of Fisheries (Ext.& Trng) also spoke in the occasion. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Iswar Rao, Assistant Fisheries Development Officer.
