ICAR-CIBA and MPEDA-RGCA Joint Initiative on Pilot Demonstration of Super Intensive Precision & Natural Shrimp Farming (SIPNSF) Inaugurated

26 February 2026, Chennai

ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, in collaboration with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and its research arm, the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA), inaugurated a first-of-its-kind pilot demonstration facility on Super Intensive Precision & Natural Shrimp Farming (SIPNSF) at Thoduvai, Sirkali, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu, today.

The initiative follows the formal agreement signed on 12 June 2025 between ICAR-CIBA and MPEDA-RGCA to jointly implement a pilot project showcasing an advanced, science-driven, and sustainable shrimp farming model tailored to Indian farming conditions.

The ceremony was presided over by Shri D. V. Swamy, IAS, Chairman, MPEDA and President, RGCA. The newly established SIPNSF facility was formally inaugurated by Ms Priya P. Nair, IES, Joint Secretary & Economic Advisor, Department of Commerce, Government of India, along with Shri D. V. Swamy, IAS, in the presence of Dr Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA, Chennai; Dr Ram Mohan M.K., Director, MPEDA, Kochi; and Dr S. Kandan, Director, RGCA.

In his concluding remarks, Shri D. V. Swamy, IAS, Chairman, MPEDA, stated that such innovative and scalable farming models are aligned with national priorities and noted that the scheme and learnings from this pilot initiative would be reflected in the next phase of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). He further observed that the joint initiative demonstrates the strength of institutional collaboration in accelerating technological transformation in Indian aquaculture.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA, highlighted that the SIPNSF model is a customized solution developed specifically for Indian conditions, combining precision engineering with bio-secure and eco-friendly farming principles to achieve sustainable and high-density shrimp production. He reiterated ICAR-CIBA’s commitment to innovation, scientific excellence, and the promotion of environmentally responsible aquaculture.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Ram Mohan M.K., Director, MPEDA, emphasized the importance of such innovative farming facilities in advancing sustainable aquaculture, strengthening quality assurance, and supporting the modernization and industrial growth of India’s shrimp farming sector.

Dr. S. Kandan, Director, RGCA, expressed his sincere gratitude to the farmers, stakeholders, and the scientists of ICAR-CIBA for their valuable participation and support in making the event a success.

A key highlight of the event was the operational demonstration of the production system, wherein approximately 2.5 lakh shrimp seeds reared in the nursery unit were successfully shifted to the grow-out tanks for further rearing. The juvenile shrimps were ceremonially released into the grow-out system by the distinguished dignitaries and veteran shrimp farmers of the region, symbolizing the practical launch of the SIPNSF culture cycle.

The event brought together farmers, aquaculture stakeholders, scientists, and institutional experts, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s aquaculture infrastructure and promoting next-generation shrimp farming technologies. Farmers who attended the programme expressed keen interest in adopting the SIPNSF model and strongly emphasized the need for government funding support to scale up this technology on a larger commercial scale.

About 130 farmers, State Department Officials, Scientists from ICAR CIBA, RGCA and related institutional agencies have participated in the programme.

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