The MoU has been inked for the transfer of Milkfish (Chanos Chanos) Hatchery Technology and set-up a state-of-the-art Finfish Hatchery in West Bengal
The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Raj Hatcheries (Bengal)Pvt. Ltd., East Midnapur District, West Bengal.
The MoU has been inked for the transfer of Milkfish (Chanos Chanos) Hatchery Technology and set-up a state-of-the-art Finfish Hatchery in West Bengal. The technology support under this MoU covers, broodstock development in captivity, induced breeding, seed production and rearing.
According to the agreement, the technical assistance will be given in two phases. In first phase, the hatchery produced fertilized eggs of Milkfish from ICAR-CIBA hatchery will be given to the client for further rearing to produce the stackable size Milkfish seeds. Simultaneously, the sub-adults of Milkfish will be obtained from the farms and wild to build the brood stock to start the second phase followed by the hatchery production of the Milkfish seeds in West Bengal.
This joint effort by the ICAR-CIBA and Raj Hatcheries would be able to provide the quality Milkfish seeds round the year in West Bengal and the neighbouring states. This is also expected to provide the livelihood support to the fisher folks and the coastal population.
Dr. K.K. Vijayan, Director, ICAR-CIBA and Shri Arokiaswamy, Managing Director, Raj Hatchery signed the MoU on the behalf of their respective Organizations. Dr. K.K. Vijayan emphasized that the ICAR-CIBA’s research findings have direct applications in the field. He also said that the milkfish being an herbivore which also accepts low protein feed, cost of production is only in the range of Rs 90 to Rs 120 to a size of 500 gm in 6 months, with market price of Rs 150 to Rs 250.
Shri Arokiaswamy pointed out that the scope for utilization of vastly underutilized brackishwater is available in West Bengal where the Milkfish aquaculture can make a significant impact. He stated that this MoU will help in achieving the goal.
Dr. M. Kailasam, Head-in-Charge and Dr. Aritra Bera, Scientist, Fish Culture Division informed about the technicalities involved in Milkfish breeding and the scope for expansion of Milkfish Farming in Bengal region.
