The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai is strengthening the livelihoods of coastal scheduled caste families of Kolathur village, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu by promoting brackishwater aquaculture in open water cages under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) initiative. The programme has been implemented under the guidance of Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA focuses on validating the sustainable and profitable cage aquaculture of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer).
Five HDPE floating cages of size 6 × 4 × 3 m each were installed along with a feed storage shed, solar-powered lighting and surveillance systems for cage farming of seabass. This integrated infrastructure ensured efficient operations, feed safety, farm security and enabling farmers to achieve a production up to one ton production per cage.
About 1,250 fingerlings of 25 g size were stocked per cage and reared for about 8–9 months with an impressive 85% survival rate reached a marketable size of 950 g to 1.2 kg. An average production of one ton was realised per cage. Improved feed management, regular monitoring, and proper cage maintenance were the key factors contributing to this success. Farmers reported a revenue of ₹5.5–6.0 lakhs per cycle per cage during the harvest held on May 1, 2026. With grading and direct marketing significantly, the farmers could realize better price realization by reducing intermediaries.
The initiative is also driving inclusive rural development, creating livelihood opportunities for Scheduled Caste communities with active participation from youth and women Self-Help Groups, thereby enhancing income, skills, and social empowerment. Following the harvest, an interactive discussion session was held involving scientists and fish farmers. Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal encouraged farmers to continue adopting best practices and assured them continued institutional support.
Mr. Uday from Aqua Connect, an entrepreneur appreciated the efforts of ICAR-CIBA and assured farmers with future market linkages. The event concluded with the felicitation of farmers by scientist team comprised of Dr. M. Kailasam and Dr. K. Ambasankar. The programme was coordinated by Dr. R. Geetha, Dr. D. Deboral Vimala, and Dr. R. Jayakumar, the coordinators of the livelihood development initiative at T. Kolathur village.
