Amid growing concerns over rising production costs and the impact of climate change on shrimp farming, the Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), based in Chennai, has pioneered a cutting-edge shrimp production system. This novel approach can yield an impressive 100 to 120 tonnes per hectare across three crop cycles, each lasting 100 days, annually.
On Tuesday, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Minority Affairs, George Kurian, attended the 8th consecutive harvest of the system at CIBA’s Muttukadu Experimental Station. This new method, termed Super Intensive Precision and Natural Shrimp Farming (SIPNSF), is designed to address the mounting challenges faced by the shrimp farming industry.
CIBA Director Kuldeep K. Lal emphasized the urgency for innovation in shrimp farming due to profitability concerns. “Despite the industry’s substantial contributions, farmers have faced hurdles such as disease outbreaks, escalating production costs, stagnant farm-gate prices over the past 15 years, and erratic weather patterns caused by climate change, including extreme temperature fluctuations, unpredictable rainfall, floods, and cyclones,” he said.
The new system, developed by principal scientist K.P. Kumaraguru Vasagam, features high-density polyethylene (HDPE) circular tanks, a central nursery, advanced energy management, and an integrated wastewater treatment solution. “This technology allows farmers to better synchronize their crop cycles with market demands, optimizing shrimp size and output,” said Vasagam. He believes the system could lead to a significant breakthrough in the shrimp farming sector.
Minister Kurian urged the Indian shrimp farming community to adopt and expand this innovative production model, which holds the potential to significantly transform the industry’s future trajectory.