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Shrimp Farmers Conclave in Odisha Focuses on Aquaculture Growth, Technology, and Regional Planning

The Shrimp Farmers Conclave in Odisha focused on boosting aquaculture, addressing challenges, and promoting region-specific planning. It featured discussions on technology, species diversification, insurance, and launched a multispecies hatchery to support tribal communities.

KJ Staff
Gokulananda Mallik, Minister for Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, MSME, Government of Odisha, stressed the importance of the conclave in the state's development. (Image Credit: ICAR-CIBA)
Gokulananda Mallik, Minister for Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, MSME, Government of Odisha, stressed the importance of the conclave in the state's development. (Image Credit: ICAR-CIBA)

Shrimp aquaculture plays a vital role in the economy of coastal districts, and Odisha has significant untapped potential, with 4.18 lakh hectares of land suitable for shrimp farming. However, only 4% of this area is being utilized, producing approximately 45,000 metric tonnes of shrimp. The limited growth is due to challenges such as lack of access to modern technology, quality seed stocks, diagnostics, and farm advisory services.

To address these issues, the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) in Chennai, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Odisha, recently organized the fourth Shrimp Farmers' Conclave in Balasore.

Gokulananda Mallik, Minister for Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, MSME, Government of Odisha, stressed the importance of the conclave in the state's development. Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries) at ICAR, urged farmers to focus on producing shrimp suitable for domestic markets, highlighting the importance of breaking the myth that shrimp farming only serves foreign consumers. He suggested that the state fisheries department, shrimp farmers' associations, and processors collaborate to develop a phased, zoned shrimp farming plan that addresses both domestic and export market needs.

Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director of ICAR-CIBA, emphasized the importance of region-specific aquaculture planning and resource management practices to ensure sustainable growth in Odisha’s shrimp sector. Dr. P.K. Sahoo, Director of ICAR-CIFA, underscored the need for farmers’ feedback to refine and customize technologies for broader adoption.

The conclave featured educational sessions on species diversification, disease management, and next-generation shrimp farming techniques. Farmers also participated in discussions about shrimp crop insurance and success stories. The event provided an opportunity for farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange and networking across Odisha's coastal districts. An exhibition of shrimp feed, inputs, insurance options, and CIBA technologies was also held during the conclave.

In addition to the conclave, Dr. Jena inaugurated a multispecies backyard hatchery for brackishwater species in Sahada village near Balasore. Established under the Scheduled Tribal Component (STC), the hatchery will ensure a steady supply of seeds for brackishwater species such as Bengal catfish and pearlspot, supporting aquaculture and livelihood development for tribal communities. The event also included a demonstration of mud crab farming and a successful harvest of 10 tons of milkfish. The revenue generated, amounting to Rs. 6.65 lakhs, was handed over to the tribal fisher group.

The event saw the participation of over 500 shrimp and fish farmers from across Odisha’s coastal districts, along with fisheries officials, input suppliers, exporters, bank representatives, insurance companies, and other stakeholders.

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