Friday, 20 June 2025
Chennai-headquartered ICAR-Central Institute of Brackish water Aquaculture (CIBA) has partnered with the Fisheries Department in Kerala to set up a multi- species fish hatchery under the aegis of the government to increase brackish water fish production in the state.
An MoU was signed between CIBA and Agency for Development of Aquaculture (ADAK) of the Kerala Government to set up the hatchery at Odayam in Thiruvananthapuram district, following the initiatives taken by Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty Amma, a CIBA release said.
CIBA will provide scientific and technical support to the government for developing captive breeding and seed production technology of commercially important brackish water fishes Asian sea bass, milk fish and Keralas state fish pearl spot. The hatchery will target seed production of these species throughout the season, enabling continuous seed production.
CIBA Director Dr K K Vijayan described CIBAs linkage as knowledge partner with the Kerala government a ’’game-changer’’ in the states brackish water aquaculture sector as it would become an ideal model for transfer of technologies in a farmer-focused manner. The establishment the hatchery would provide a stimulus for augmenting brackish water fin fish production in the state, along with enhancing the livelihood generation during every step of the fish production process, he said.
Vijayan also added that Kerala is endowed with rich brackish water resources to the tune of 1.26 lakh ha. Since timely availability of fish seeds in sufficient quantity is still a major constraint, the brackish water aquaculture is yet to explore its potential resources. Timely availability of seeds in a farmer-friendly way will help develop the sector.
