A two-day training programme on “shrimp crop insurance: capacity development for farm survey and loss assessment” was jointly organized by the ICAR – Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture and Tamil Nadu and the TNJFU- Fisheries College and Research Institute (FCRI), Ponneri, during 22–23 January 2026 at TNJFU-FCRI, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu primarily to develop manpower for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Insurance Surveyors and Loss Assessors, particularly in the rapidly expanding shrimp aquaculture sector. The programme was conceptualized under the guidance of Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA, and Dr. T. Ravisankar, leader, aquaculture insurance product development team, CIBA & Head, Social Sciences Division, and implemented in coordination with the TNJFU. About 101 fisheries professionals comprised of outgoing fisheries graduates, postgraduate, and doctoral students actively participated in the programme.
Dr.B.K.Behera, Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) inaugurated the programme virtually highlighted the initiatives of the Government of India and NFDB in promoting aquaculture insurance through digital platforms. He elaborated on the insurance provisions under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY), emphasizing their role in risk mitigation for shrimp farmers.
Technical sessions were handled by experts from the insurance sector, scientists from ICAR-CIBA, and faculty from TNJFU, covering best management practices, soil and water quality assessment, disease diagnostics, biosecurity measures, farm infrastructure evaluation, and standardized survey and loss assessment procedures. The panel discussion held on aquaculture insurance highlighted the acute shortage of domain-trained aquaculture professionals in insurance loss assessment and emphasized fisheries graduates as ideal candidates for this emerging profession.
During the valedictory session, Dr.S.Balasundari, Dean, FC&RI, Ponneri, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between ICAR-CIBA and TNJFU for the welfare of shrimp farmers and capacity building of fisheries students. Dr R. Geetha, ICAR-CIBA and Mrs. Angela, FC&RI, Ponneri coordinated the programme. The programme marked an important step towards strengthening aquaculture insurance systems and employment generation in the fisheries sector.
