In a major breakthrough for sustainable coastal aquaculture and species diversification, the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), Chennai, has successfully demonstrated Blue Swimmer Crab (Portunus reticulatus) farming technology for the first time using institute-produced hatchery seed and a scientifically formulated pelleted feed developed by ICAR-CIBA.
The demonstration marks the successful validation of a complete end-to-end farming package for Blue Swimmer Crab (BSC) aquaculture, encompassing hatchery seed production, specialized feed, nursery rearing, and grow-out culture practices. The technology offers a promising new opportunity for farmers seeking profitable alternatives and complements to existing shrimp farming systems.
In the demonstration trial, Blue Swimmer Crab seed was stocked at a density of one crab per square metre and fed with ICAR-CIBA’s nutritionally balanced formulated feed. After a culture period of 105 days, the harvest yielded a productivity of 1,100 kg per hectare, with marketable crabs averaging 150 grams in body weight. The harvested crabs fetched an attractive market price of ₹500 per kilogram, highlighting the strong commercial potential of the technology.
A harvest function was organized at the ICAR-CIBA Muttukadu Experimental Station on June 22, 2026, to showcase the performance of the farming system. During the event, revenue amounting to ₹1,22,500 was handed over to the beneficiaries, M/s. Success Self-Help Group, Pudhunemmelikuppam, Chengalpattu district who were involved in the demonstration under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) programme.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA, announced that the institute has successfully standardized a comprehensive technology package for Blue Swimmer Crab aquaculture. The package includes advanced hatchery seed production protocols, a specialized formulated feed branded as BSCrabPlus, and optimized nursery and grow-out farming practices.
“Blue Swimmer Crab can be cultured successfully within a relatively short production cycle, comparable to shrimp farming. With lower levels of cannibalism than many other brackishwater crab species and strong domestic as well as international market demand, this technology presents a highly viable and sustainable option for aquaculture diversification,” Dr. Lal said.
The harvest event was also attended by Dr. S. Kandan, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). Commending the achievement, he emphasized the importance of scaling up the technology for commercial adoption across coastal regions. “Technologies developed by research institutions such as ICAR-CIBA can be effectively transferred to farmers through RGCA under MPEDA. Scaling up Blue Swimmer Crab farming will ensure that scientific innovations translate into tangible benefits for coastal communities while adding a high-value seafood commodity to India’s export basket,” Dr. Kandan noted.
The event concluded with active interactions between scientists, farmers, and stakeholders, who witnessed the successful harvest operation firsthand. The demonstration is expected to pave the way for wider adoption of Blue Swimmer Crab farming and contribute significantly to the growth of India’s blue economy through sustainable aquaculture diversification.
