24 August 2026, Chennai
Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, reviewed the research and development activities of the ICAR–Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, during an interaction with the institute’s scientists and officials held today.
During the review, the Minister assessed the institute’s major research and development initiatives aimed at promoting climate-resilient, sustainable and profitable brackishwater aquaculture in the country. Emphasising the growing importance of fisheries and aquaculture to India’s food and nutritional security, he highlighted the sector’s significant contribution to fish production and livelihoods. He stated that the progressive increase in budgetary support for agriculture and fisheries since 2014 has contributed to the sector’s growth and enhanced fish production.
The Minister stated that fisheries and aquaculture are among the key sectors contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, with the country targeting 40 million metric tonnes of fish production. He called upon the scientific community to develop innovative, farmer-oriented technologies and solutions to achieve this ambitious target.
Shri Thakur appreciated ICAR-CIBA’s pioneering contributions to the sector, particularly the Super-Intensive Precision cum Natural Shrimp Farming (SIPNSF) technology, improved broodstock development of the indigenous shrimp species Penaeus indicus, and innovative feed technologies, including fishmeal-free shrimp feed, Blue Swimmer Crab feed and shrimp larval feed, along with several value-added techno-products. He also commended the institute’s initiatives in developing responsible aquaculture planning tools, digital knowledge-transfer mechanisms and shrimp crop insurance products.
The Minister noted that these innovations have received encouraging acceptance from the aquaculture industry and reflect the broader national priorities of ‘More Crop per Drop’, ‘Doubling Farmers’ Income’, ‘Circular Economy’ and ‘Make in India’.
Interacting with the scientists, Shri Thakur appreciated their efforts in undertaking demand-driven and field-oriented research, informed by insights generated through national flagship programmes such as Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan and Khet Bachao Abhiyan. He urged the scientists to develop timely advisories and adaptive technologies to help farmers respond effectively to climate-related challenges, including the potential impacts of phenomena such as El Niño on food production systems.
Emphasising the importance of wider technology dissemination, the Minister stressed that innovations developed by ICAR-CIBA should reach aquaculture farmers across the country, with particular focus on small, marginal and economically vulnerable farmers, including those in states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. He encouraged the institute to continue its efforts towards improving the livelihoods and welfare of fish farmers and strengthening the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Dr M. Kailasam, Director, ICAR-CIBA, presented the institute’s vision, major thematic research areas and recent achievements, including technological innovations and initiatives undertaken for societal impact.
During the interaction, it was informed that a nucleus breeding facility for Indian white shrimp (Penaeus indicus) has been established at ICAR-CIBA with funding support under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The facility is expected to strengthen the institute’s efforts towards systematic genetic improvement and development of improved broodstock for sustainable shrimp aquaculture.
The review meeting underscored the continued commitment of ICAR-CIBA towards technology-led, climate-resilient and sustainable aquaculture, while strengthening the sector’s contribution to national food security, employment generation and inclusive rural development.
(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai)
Like on Facebook
Subscribe on Youtube
Follow on X X
Like on instagram