Aquaculture laboratory facility in south Gujarat: initiative by CIBA, Chennai and NAU, Navsari

Abstract

To cater the needs of aqua farmers in this region, the Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai in collaboration with Navsari Agricultural University (NAU), Navsari has established 'Aquaculture diagnostic laboratory' at NAU campus in Navsari. The facility was inaugurated in April 2011 by Dr.S.D. Tripathi former Vice Chancellor, CIFE, Mumbai, in the presence of Dr. B. Meenakumari, DDG (Fisheries) ICAR, Dr. A.R.Pathak, Vice Chancellor NAU and Dr. A.G.Ponniah, Director, CIBA. The laboratory has facilities to conduct tests like physico- chemical parameters of soil and water, pathogenic and environmental microbiology and PCR testing. The farmers from nearby and far off places have started using this facility by regularly getting their samples tested there for various parameters. Soil pH Redox potential phytoplankton and zooplankton which is the key for pond productivity. Optimum growth of benthic vegetation depends on the composition of the pond bottom soil. In modern intensive/semi-intensive aquaculture system, the pond bottom gets easily deteriorated due to accumulation of uneaten feed, excreta, unutilised nutrients/chemicals and their metabolites. Hence the regular monitoring of soil and water leads to better understanding of the aquatic ecosystem and helps in implementing suitable corrective measures. Even before the construction of a pond comprehensive soil texture and chemical analysis including all major and minor soil nutrients profiling needs to be done. The aquaculture laboratory facility at NAU offers the services of soil water quality testing for brackishwater aquaculture operations and WSSV by PCR. During the farming operation, early detection of suspected viral pathogens through the molecular techniques helps in devising the strategy to reduce the economic loss and to control the spread of pathogens.