ICAR CIBA is successfully implementing schemes viz., Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) and Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) focusing on improving the livelihood income of resource poor coastal aqua farmers and fishers. As a part of these schemes , on 7th August 2026 a workshop entitled “Experience sharing on adoption of brackishwater aquaculture technologies by Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste beneficiaries” was conducted. A total of 40 ST and SC beneficiaries from coastal villages of Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts of Tamil Nadu participated in the programme. Dr M Kailasam Director ICAR CIBA released the book on “Brackishwater aquaculture technologies for societal development of coastal Scheduled Caste and Tribal families in Tamil Nadu” and addressed on the role of ICAR CIBA for improving the livelihood income of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers in coastal communities through technologies such as cage culture of Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer), rearing of other finfishes’ species such as Pearl spot (Etroplus suratensis) and Milkfish (Chanos chanos), culture of Mud Crab (Scylla serrata) and ornamental fishes, production of bioproducts like PlanktonPlus and HortiPlus from fish waste etc. These technologies are technically feasible and economically viable for small scale farming.
In the experience sharing sessions, Shri.S Perumal from Senjiamman village in Tiruvallur district highlighted his experiences on crab farming and cage culture of finfishes. Smt.S Jaya from Kattur village in Tiruvallur district briefed on seabass nursery rearing in brackishwater canal, Smt.M.Vijaya from New Perungalathur Chengalpattu district shared her experiences on ornamental fish farming and fish feed processing. Shri M Arun Kumar from Pattipulam village in Chengalpattu district shared their experiences on culture of mud crab and blue swimmer crab in pond. Shri.A Arun Kumar from Kottaikadu in Chengalpattu district briefed on seabass culture and cage farming in brackishwater water bodies. In their discussions they explained the economic and related benefits derived from ICAR CIBA technologies and the constraints being faced by them for up-scaling.
A focused group discussion was also conducted in which Scientists and farmers interacted on the field level performance of CIBA technologies with special emphasis on constraints being faced by the farmers in continuation of adoption of technologies.
Later Dr.P Kumararaja Sr. Scientist AAHED sensitized the farmers on “The Effect of El-Nino on aquaculture and adaptation measures to be taken by all concerned”.
Earlier Dr B Shanthi PS SSD and convenor of the workshop welcomed the farmers and briefed on the purpose of conducting the workshop. Dr.C.V.Sairam PS SSD, Dr.M.Poornima PS AAHED, Dr.P.Mahalakshmi PS NGBD, Dr.R Geetha Sr.Scientist SSD and Dr Vidya Rajendran Sr. Scientist AAHED co-convenors participated.
