Shri Nitesh Rane Lays Foundation Stone for Multi-Species Hatchery in Sindhudurg with Technical Support from ICAR-CIBA, Chennai

16 October 2026, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra

Shri Nitesh Rane, Guardian Minister of Sindhudurg district and Minister for Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, laid the foundation stone for a multi-species hatchery at Ubhadanda, Vengurla taluka, Sindhudurg district, today.

The hatchery, being established with an investment of ₹22.24 crore, aims to strengthen sustainable brackishwater aquaculture and ensure the availability of quality seed for high-value aquatic species across the Konkan region.

The project is supported by the Mangrove Cell, Government of Maharashtra, with technical assistance from ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, for Asian seabass; ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute for bivalves; and Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA) for mud crabs. The facility will focus on the seed production of Asian seabass, mud crabs, oysters and mussels, thereby supporting aquaculture development, generating employment and creating livelihood opportunities for fishers, women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and young entrepreneurs.

ICAR-CIBA has been collaborating with the Government of Maharashtra to promote brackishwater aquaculture in the state. Its initiatives include identifying potential aquaculture areas using the institute’s Responsible Aquaculture Zone Planning methods and demonstrating livelihood development models for fisher families in Sindhudurg district through Asian seabass cage aquaculture. These initiatives integrate technological support, capacity development and the provision of essential inputs to promote sustainable aquaculture practices. ICAR-CIBA has also prepared the Detailed Project Report and provided technical guidance for the design of the seabass hatchery component of the proposed multi-species facility.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Nitesh Rane highlighted that the hatchery would ensure the availability of quality seed of seabass, mud crabs and bivalves, thereby promoting sustainable aquaculture and creating livelihood and employment opportunities for fishing communities, women’s SHGs and young entrepreneurs throughout the Konkan region.

Shri Bhanudas Palve, IAS, Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, underscored the project’s importance for marine fisheries and brackishwater aquaculture and assured the timely completion of the hatchery. Shri Mahesh Deore, Additional Fisheries Commissioner, Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the facility’s potential to strengthen local livelihoods through scientific seed production and biosecure aquaculture practices. Smt. Kanchan Pawar, Divisional Forest Officer, South Konkan Region, emphasised the importance of interdepartmental coordination in advancing fisheries development while ensuring environmental protection.

Scientist at ICAR-CIBA’s Navsari Regional Centre, highlighted the significance of the multi-species hatchery in harnessing Maharashtra’s brackishwater resources for sustainable aquaculture, particularly high-value Asian seabass cage farming to improve the livelihoods of fisher families. He noted that this would be the second seabass hatchery established on the west coast with consultancy support from ICAR-CIBA, following the establishment of the first such hatchery in Karnataka.

Shri Sagar Kuvasekar, Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, proposed the vote of thanks.

The establishment of the multi-species hatchery marks an important step towards strengthening aquaculture infrastructure in Maharashtra, improving access to quality seed and promoting sustainable, science-based aquaculture practices for enhanced livelihood opportunities along the Konkan coast.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai)