ICAR–Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), Chennai, regularly conducts capacity-building and skill-development programmes for various stakeholders to promote sustainable and profitable aquaculture. In this endeavour, a three-day Capacity enhancement-cum-Entrepreneurship development training for the small and marginal shrimp farmers operating under MPEDA-NaCSA societies on “Aquafeed Preparation Techniques and Quality Control” was conducted from 28 to 30 September 2026 at ICAR-CIBA on learning by doing mode.
The training programme was specifically designed to impart practical skills in indigenous aqua-feed formulation, feed processing using extrusion and pelletization technologies, feed quality control and feed management for sustainable brackishwater aquaculture. The programme was organized primarily for Scheduled Tribe (ST) aquafarmers associated with the National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture (NaCSA), with the objective of enabling them to explore aquafeed preparation as a viable entrepreneurial activity.
A total of 40 participants, comprising 30 small and marginal ST farmers(25 men and 5 women) associated with NaCSA, four officers from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, and six research scholars, participated in the programme. The participants received extensive hands-on training in feed formulation and feed manufacturing using the state-of-the-art feed processing and analytical facilities at ICAR-CIBA.The training covered the fundamentals of aquaculture nutrition, feed ingredient selection, feed formulation, feed processing, quality control and feed management, with specific emphasis on the nutritional requirements and biology of shrimp, crab and finfish. Practical sessions provided participants with exposure to different stages of feed production, including formulation, processing, pelletization and quality evaluation, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and field-level application
Dr. K. Ambasankar, Course Director, interacted with the trainees during the programme and highlighted the critical role of feed in determining the productivity, profitability and sustainability of aquaculture. He also emphasized the pioneering contributions of ICAR-CIBA in developing scientifically formulated, cost-effective and sustainable aquafeed technologies and encouraged the participants to explore feed preparation as an avenue for entrepreneurship and livelihood enhancement.
At the conclusion of the three-day programme, the participants shared their feedback and appreciated the practical orientation and hands-on nature of the training. Several participants expressed their interest in establishing or partnering with ICAR-CIBA for aquafeed manufacturing and related entrepreneurial activities. The programme thus provided a platform for translating scientific knowledge and institutional technologies into practical skills, enabling livelihood opportunities and sustainable aquaculture enterprises among small and marginal farmers.
