ICAR-CIBA launches innovative research-farmer partnership model to address shrimp farming mortalities

10 August 2025, Chennai

As a follow-up to the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture has introduced an innovative, problem-solving research model, bringing together researchers and the Pran Farmers Federation of India (PFFI) to jointly address recurring mortalities in shrimp farming.

Shrimp farming in Nagapattinam is largely practiced along common water bodies, where waterborne pathogens spread rapidly across farms. Hence, collective adoption of better management practices (BMPs) by all farmers is crucial for effective disease prevention. Recognizing this, ICAR-CIBA has launched a collaborative initiative where scientists and farmers’ federations work together to identify root causes of shrimp crop failures and devise sustainable solutions.

Under this model, the farmers’ federation will coordinate field monitoring and facilitate the collection of water and shrimp samples from scientifically identified ponds with a history of disease outbreaks. These samples will be analysed by ICAR-CIBA scientists, who will monitor the farms for one or two crop cycles. The outcome is expected to provide evidence-based insights into the real causes of crop mortalities and practical strategies to manage them.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kuldeep K. Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA, highlighted the severe economic losses caused by diseases in shrimp farming and introduced ‘CIBA EHP Cura’, a phyto-biotic product developed by CIBA scientists. Proven to be both prophylactic and therapeutic against shrimp diseases, the product was validated in Nagapattinam and has now been further improved into ‘CIBA EHP Cura Gro+’. Dr. Lal officially handed over the upgraded product to farmer groups and urged them to adopt it for effective disease management.

Mr. Balasubramaniam, General Secretary, PFFI, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project and the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including government agencies and private partners. He underlined the importance of farmer cooperation and collective compliance for the success of this initiative.

To build farmers’ capacity, ICAR-CIBA organized a training programme on effective management of shrimp diseases such as Hepatopancreatic Microsporidiosis (HPM) caused by Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) and White Feces Syndrome (WFS). The programme, supported by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), witnessed the participation of around 130 farmers.

The experts delivered a detailed presentation on management strategies for EHP and WFS, with a focus on field performance data of CIBA EHP Cura and the development of CIBA EHP Cura Gro+.

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