ICAR-CIBA Signs MoU with Government of Goa to Promote Brackishwater Aquaculture Development

5 November 2025, Goa

ICAR–Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Goa, today, for the responsible and sustainable development of brackishwater aquaculture in the state. The collaboration aims to enhance fish and shrimp production, strengthen livelihoods, and promote aquaculture-based rural development in Goa.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Kuldeep K. Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA, Chennai, and Dr. Shamila Monteiro, Director of Fisheries, Government of Goa, in the presence of Shri Prasanna Acharya, IAS, Secretary (Fisheries), Government of Goa, at the Goa Legislature Secretariat, Alto-Porvorim.

Under this partnership, ICAR-CIBA will collaborate with the Directorate of Fisheries to undertake a series of initiatives, including mapping of coastal and inland saline resources, demonstrations of super-intensive precision and natural shrimp farming, development of cage farming clusters for brackishwater finfish and shellfish, and implementation of livelihood-based aquaculture models. The agreement also envisions capacity-building programmes for fisheries officials and farmers to promote sustainable and innovative aquaculture practices tailored to the state’s coastal ecosystem.

Addressing the occasion, Shri Prasanna Acharya, IAS, emphasized the importance of adopting innovative brackishwater farming technologies for high-value species such as Asian seabass, shrimp, and mud crab, highlighting their potential to boost production, strengthen livelihoods, and open avenues for aqua-tourism in Goa.

Dr. Kuldeep K. Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA, noted that Goa, with its 131 km long coastline, holds significant potential for developing brackishwater aquaculture. He observed that species like shrimp and seabass enjoy strong local demand in Goa’s multi-cuisine market, offering promising opportunities for livelihood generation and value-chain development through sustainable aquaculture.

Dr. Shamila Monteiro, Director, Fisheries, Government of Goa, underscored that brackishwater aquaculture could serve as a viable alternative livelihood for coastal fishers, including women, contributing to enhanced fish production, income diversification, and employment generation in the state.

The event was coordinated by Dr. Akshaya Panigrahi, Principal Scientist and Officer-in-Charge, CIBA–Navsari Gujarat Research Centre (NGRC); Shri Pankaj Patil, Scientist, CIBA-NGRC; Shri Chandrakant Velip, Dr. Smita Mazumdar, Deputy Directors of Fisheries; and Smt. Zigyasa Murkar, Assistant Superintendent of Fisheries, Government of Goa.

This collaboration marks a significant step toward harnessing Goa’s coastal potential for sustainable brackishwater aquaculture, aligning with national goals for blue economy growth, livelihood security, and responsible aquaculture development.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai)