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Union fisheries secretary engages shrimp farmers, boosts scientific innovation in aquaculture
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Wednesday, 21 January, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, secretary of the department of fisheries, Government of India, conducted a high-profile field visit to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) and its Muttukadu Experimental Station in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The engagement underscored the government’s commitment to advancing climate-smart aquaculture, indigenous technology development, and sustainable resource use in the shrimp sector.
During his visit, Dr. Likhi met with shrimp farmers and aquaculture entrepreneurs to gain firsthand insights into on-ground challenges, success stories, and best practices spanning production, processing, and marketing. He also reviewed cutting-edge research facilities at ICAR-CIBA, including units focused on finfish, crustaceans, ornamental fish, crab, and feed mill operations, highlighting the diverse innovation underway in brackishwater aquaculture.
A key focus of the visit was ICAR-CIBA’s Penaeus indicus Genetic Improvement Programme, implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which aims to strengthen scientific shrimp breeding and develop genetically superior stocks of Indian white shrimp.
Shrimp remains India’s leading seafood export commodity, accounting for nearly 70 percent of total seafood exports to around 130 countries. Despite trade challenges, including a 58 percent tariff imposed by the United States, the sector demonstrated resilience with a 21 percent rise in export value and a 12 percent increase in export volume during April–October 2025.
To boost the indigenous shrimp feed ecosystem, two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit. One supports the commercialisation of India’s first indigenous shrimp larval feed, while the other promotes the use of rice-based Distillers’ Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) as a cost-effective protein source in shrimp diets.
The visit also featured a drone demonstration for feed spraying and transport, highlighting emerging technology applications in fisheries. Dr. Likhi emphasised coordinated efforts between research institutions, industry partners, and states to accelerate innovation transfer and strengthen the nation’s aquaculture landscape.
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