ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) has developed a new aquaculture model- Seaweed-shrimp integrated farming system- aiming to enhance the productivity shrimp aquaculture systems. The integrated system can yield a productivity of 8 tons/ha in around 110 days with an average body weight of 23g with an impressive survival rate of over 98%. Additionally, about 1.2 tons of Gracilaria salicornia seaweed was also harvested in two cycles from the same pond, generating additional income without the use of supplementary feed or inputs. This successful demonstration highlights the potential of seaweed integration as a sustainable model for future shrimp aquaculture.
A field day was organised on 23.06.2025 to show case the relative advantages of the new model at CIBA’s Muttukadu Experimental Station (MES), Chennai.Shri K.C. Devasenapathi, I.A.S., Member-Secretary, Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), Govt. of India and Mr. Uday Kishan Cherukuneedi, Managing Director, M/s. Uday Aquaconnect, witnessed the harvest and appreciated the efforts of the CIBA team.
Dr. Kuldeep K. Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA, explained the culture practices to the dignitaries and highlighted the significance of integrating seaweed in shrimp aquaculture. He emphasized that such integration not only helps in maintaining better water quality but also improves Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), enhances productivity, and provides an additional source of income to farmers.
A delegation of 20 officials from the Department of Fisheries, Odisha along with staff members of ICAR-CIBA actively participated in the mela, gaining first-hand exposure to the integrated model. Shri R. Aravind, Scientist and Dr. J. Raymond Jani Angel, Senior Scientist demonstrated the culture methodology followed during the production cycle.
