ICAR-CIBA Partners with Rameswaram Fish Farmer Group to Market Innovative Aquaculture and Agriculture Products

ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rameswaram Sigaram Fish Farmer Producer Organisation in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. This partnership aims to facilitate the marketing of two innovative products, ICAR-CIBA-Plankton Plus and ICAR-CIBA-Hortiplus, both of which have been developed using advanced fish waste recycling technology.

ICAR-CIBA-Plankton Plus is a nutrient-dense hydrolysate that contains micro and macro nutrients. It enhances natural productivity in aquaculture systems and has been successfully tested in various coastal regions, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, Gujarat, and West Bengal. Beyond aquaculture, Plankton Plus has demonstrated its effectiveness in agriculture, particularly in paddy cultivation. ICAR-CIBA, in collaboration with the A.M.M. Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre in Chennai, standardized its application for paddy farming through multi-location trials in Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts.

The second product, ICAR-CIBA-Hortiplus, is designed to boost the productivity of both agricultural and horticultural crops. Both Plankton Plus and HortiPlus were tested in aquaculture and agriculture in Ramanathapuram as part of the ICAR-CIBA-DBT project titled “Establishment of DBT Rural Bio-resource Complex at Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.” Following positive results, the Rameswaram Sigaram Fish Farmer Producer Organisation has decided to take on the marketing of these products.

Dr. Kuldeep K. Lal, Director of ICAR-CIBA, highlighted the national significance of promoting this technology, which not only supports a waste-free coastal fish market but also improves the livelihoods of fisherfolk. He also underscored the potential of organic paddy cultivation using Plankton Plus, which reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides while minimizing pest infestations. Dr. Debasis De, Head of the Kakdwip Research Centre at ICAR-CIBA, highlighted the collaborative research efforts between agriculture institutions and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

The event, organized by the Institute Technology Management Unit (ITMU) of ICAR-CIBA, was attended by several prominent heads of divisions.