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Official website of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai

Kakinada Centre

kakinada centre
kakinada centre
kakinada centre
kakinada centre
kakinada centre

ICAR-CIFE Kakinada Centre is one of the Nodal Centre imparting training programmes on various aspects of brackish water and freshwater aquaculture. The Centre is facilitated by two fish farms viz., Brackish water Fish Farm, located at Kakinada and Freshwater Fish Farm at Balabhadrapuram which constitute a major asset to cater to Research & Development and HRD needs of the Centre. The present Centre came into being after merging of three then independent Centres of CIFE, viz., Brackishwater Fish Farm, Fisheries Extension Training Center (both located at Kakinada campus) and Freshwater Fish Farm, Balabhadrapuram. CIFE Kakinada Centre was established in October 1968 after taking over the Brackishwater fish farm at Kakinada from Govt. of Andhra Pradesh. In 1974 the freshwater fish farm at Balabhadrapuram, a village located at equidistance of 35 km between Rajahmundry and Kakinada, was taken on a long-term lease basis from Govt. of Andhra Pradesh by CIFE, Mumbai. The Centre was then named as "Aquaculture Research and Training Center of CIFE" (ARTC). In 1997 ARTC was again rechristened as Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Kakinada Centre.

  • To conduct training programme on various aspects of aquaculture namely Brackish water Aquaculture, Freshwater Aquaculture and carp and catfish seed production technologies
  • To organize field demonstration and transfer of proven technologies in aquaculture
  • To undertake research projects in the field of brackish water and freshwater aquaculture.

The ICAR–CIFE Kakinada Centre made significant advancements in sustainable aquaculture through integrated research, seed production, innovative farming systems, and extensive farmer support. The Centre strengthened brackishwater aquaculture by developing finfish- crab polyculture models and advancing IMTA research using halophytes, bivalves, and species like Mugil cephalus, Chanos chanos, P. vannamei, P. monodon, with Meretrix casta and macrophyte-based IMTA designs with Trachinotus mokkalee, Telligarca granosa, Kappaphycus alaverzii, designs that enhance water quality and farm economics. Innovations in biomimicry systems using fermented de-oiled palm kernel meal (DPKM) established leadership in eco-enriched production. Studies showed DPKM-based biomimicry improves growth, feed efficiency, reduces stress, in P. vannamei with upto 50% feed reduction, validating its potential for efficient aquaculture. Work on shrimp discharge water biofloc- based diets in Mugil cephalus contributed to environmentally efficient feeding and waste reutilization approaches in brackishwater culture systems strengthening circular economy based nutrient strategies in intensive systems. In addition, the Centre achieved a P. vannamei production performance of 7.5 tonnes per hectare per crop, demonstrating its capability to maintain high yields under well-managed, sustainable brackishwater farming conditions.
The Centre continued major contributions to aquaculture development by producing over 5 crore IMC spawns annually, improving regional seed security, and establishing nationally recognized Clarias magur genetic improvement lines validated through NFDB-supported field demonstrations. Breeding standardization for grass carp, murrel, anabas and indigenous ornamentals strengthened freshwater species diversification.
ICAR-CIFE, Kakinada Centre conducts regular training, support for SCSP/TSP/NEH communities, and technical handholding of over 1453 trainees through 50 training programmes and fostered inclusive capacity building and entrepreneurship. Industry partnerships were strengthened through testing and validation of emerging feed ingredients, methanotrophic protein sources, and microbial/enzyme-based products.

(A) Institutional projects

  • Optimization of stocking density and feeding strategies in brackishwater polyculture models for enhanced production (2024-27)

(B) Externally funded projects

  • Technical Backstopping and Demonstration cum Genetically selected Clarias magur (Maha Magur) Breeding and Aquaculture (2025-26)
  • Demonstration and promotion of indigenous ornamental fisheries and aquaculture in Eastern Godavari region, Andhra Pradesh (2025-26)

A) Certificate Training & Skill Development Programmes Offered

  • Three-month certificate course on “Brackishwater Aquaculture and Management Practices”.

B) Short-term Training Programmes (3–7 days):

  • STP on “Fish and Prawn culture”
  • Better management practices in shrimp farming
  • Alternative species for brackishwater aquaculture
  • Biofloc systems for shrimp nursery and grow-out management

C) Long-term Trainings / Internships (1–4 months):

  • In-plant training for B.F.Sc students
  • Field Exposure Trainings to M.F.Sc students

  • Field exposure visits to Students, Farmers and Entrepreneurs
  • Refresher course trainings to Fisheries officials from Govt. of Andhra Pradesh & Govt of Telangana.
  • Technical guidance to Farmers.​​