A “Hands-on skill development training on Aquafeed Preparation Techniques and Quality Control” was conducted by ICAR–Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), Chennai, from 25th to 27th May 2022. This specialized training was aimed to offer skill development in indigenous aqua feed formulation, feed processing using extruder and pelletizer and feed management for sustainable brackishwater aquaculture. Twenty-six participants from nine states of India with diverse professional backgrounds such as farm managers, potential entrepreneurs, farm owners, feed mill technicians, academicians and aqua input suppliers from different parts of India joined the programe to take aqua feed as a business. Participants were practically trained in feed formulation and feed manufacturing with the state-of-the art feed mill and analytical facilities. Trainees learned the fundamentals of aqua nutrition, feed formulations, and feed management in relation to the biology of shrimps, crabs and fishes. Dr. K.P. Jithendran, Director, ICAR-CIBA interacted with the trainees during the training program and stressed the significance of the feed in aquaculture and the pioneering role played by CIBA in the sector. On concluding this three-day training program the trainees shared their feedback about the usefulness of this training and some of them expressed their willingness to partner with CIBA to take up the feed manufacturing business. Earlier, Dr. K. Ambasankar, Sceintist In-charge, Nutrition section briefed on the training highlights and thanked all the participants for showing an overwhelming interest in the training and further translating this knowledge and skills to the rapidly growing aquaculture sector.
