ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai demonstrated the farming of high-density Blue Swimmer Crab (Portunus reticulatus) in brackishwater earthen ponds. The crab seeds were stocked at a high density of 3 crabs per square meter. In about 120 days (Days of Culture) the crabs achieved a 60% survival rate with an average body weight of 120 grams, yielding an overall productivity of 2,160 kg/ha. A critical driver of this success was the exclusive use of a formulated pelleted feed – CIBA Blue Swimmer Crabplus – which ensured optimal nutrition, reduced reliance on wild trash fish, and supported environmental stability within pond systems.
M/s. Success Self Help Group from Puthunemmeli Village in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu carried out the demonstration alongside with local seafood traders as a livelihood development model. The freshly harvested crabs were handed over directly to local merchant at the pond site, fetching a lucrative price of Rs 500/kg. Dr. J. Raymond Jani Angel, Senior Scientist who have standardised the seed production technology and provided the hatchery-reared crablets, underscored the necessity of quality seed supply. This immediate market realization highlights the strong commercial potential and economic viability of high-density crab farming for rural communities and self-help groups remarked Shri.R. Aravind, who conducted this demonstration.
Popularizing Blue Swimmer Crab farming is the need of the hour for Indian aquaculture. As a high-value alternative brackishwater species, it offers remarkable climate resilience, capable of surviving low and fluctuating salinities. Its rapid growth, short crop duration, high survival under high density, and willingness to accept formulated pelleted feed make it an economically superior and sustainable option for farmers. Expanding this eco-friendly model across coastal regions will play a pivotal role in strengthening rural livelihoods, enhancing climate adaptability, and driving sustainable growth in India’s blue economy.
During the interaction with the group and traders Dr. M. Jayanthi, Head of Division, Crustacean Culture Division, CIBA highlighted the role of technology transfer in popularising and expanding blue swimmer crab farming in brackishwater ponds. Dr. P. Mahalakshmi, Principal Investigator of the project, emphasized community empowerment under SCSP. Dr. R. Jayakumar, Scientist-in-Charge (SiC) of the Muttukadu Experimental Station, facilitated the field logistics and station facilities for successful conduct of the harvest and proposed the vote of thanks.
This demonstration was executed under the Schedule Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) project on Front line demonstration on mud crab and blue swimmer crab in polyculture and monoculture systems, and the initiative established a sustainable model for high-value species diversification and coastal livelihood enhancement.
