ICAR-CIBA conducted the Agri Business meet on 14th February 2022. During the meet technology products for mitigation of nitrite metabolite in shrimp ponds and control of external parasite in fish, developed by the institute and commercialized to M/s Alpha Biologicals, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh were launched. The products NOVACIDE-ALF, Anti-Lice Formulation and NOVATAN-AMS Autotrophic Microbial Solution to mitigate nitrite were released by Dr.K.P.Jithendran, Director, ICAR-CIBA in the presence of farmer representatives, industry professionals and scientists. The NOVACIDE-ALF is an efficient oral preparation for control of crustacean parasites like Argulus spp., Caligus spp., Lernanthropsis spp. and Lernaea spp. in different fish species in different culture systems such as aquarium, pond, cage, concrete tank, FRP tank, and lake with wide range of salinities 0-30 ppt. The NOVATAN-AMS uses formulation containing enrichments of nitrite oxidising bacteria that are efficient in oxidising toxic metabolite nitrite to non-toxic nitrate. Dr P.K. Patil, Principal Scientist, Officer in-Charge, ITMU, in his introductory speech detailed about the background of the technologies developed and their commercialisation. The Director, elaborated that the technology development and commercialisation should be based on the needs and benefit to the farmers. He stressed on development of efficient products that are safe to the environment. Dr R. Ananda Raja, Senior Scientist and Dr Satheesha Avunje, Scientist described scientific basis and principles of application, biosafety, environmental safety, withdrawal and efficacy of the products. Dr Amaraneni Ravi Kumar, Managing Partner, Alpha Biologicals emphasised the need for quality products to support aquaculture. He shared that the field trials conducted across the country shown that the products are working well. Mr. Punnaivanam, Novakem Biosciences described importance of the two products launched in managing the farming problems. The technologies for production of these two products were developed at ICAR-CIBA and have been commercialized to M/s Alpha Biologicals, Nellore recently. The company has started commercial production of the products and planning to market them in major aquaculture states in the country.
