ICAR-CIBA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Coastal Corporation Ltd. (CCL), Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on 2nd November 2021 to extend consultancy services for breeding and production of SPF polychaete worms (Perinereis spp), the maturation diet for shrimp broodstock in hatcheries. Presently, these worms are sourced from wild and may potentially transfer pathogens to shrimp brooders. Therefore, scientific production of SPF polychaete worms is the key for pathogen free quality shrimp seed production. During 2020-21 India imported 2,76,346 numbers of SPF broodstock of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, and almost 300 MT polychaete worms are used in shrimp hatcheries as a maturation diet. Through this collaboration the Coastal Corporation Ltd. will invest on infrastructure for holding domestication, mass scale production of the selected species, while the ICAR-CIBA will facilitate research and development for quality production of sandworms.
Dr. K.P. Jithendran, Director, ICAR-CIBA highlighted the importance of SPF polychaete worms to the Indian shrimp industry and potential of such technologies in ensuring disease free shrimp seed production. He described the scientific strength of the institute in polychaete production technology and assured CCL of providing all required support for the successful implementation of this programme. Dr. A. Panigrahi, Principal Scientist and Team leader outlined the genesis of this initiative and briefed about the significance of this MoU. Mr. V.R. Sharma, Vice President, Coastal Corporation Ltd, reiterated their commitment in this program and explained the demand for SPF polychaete worms to Indian shrimp industry.
