Odisha Govt to Set Up First Mud Crab Hatchery in Paradip

The Odisha government will establish the state’s first-ever mud crab hatchery at Paradip with an investment of ₹2.31 crore, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganeshram Singh Khuntia announced on Wednesday.

The hatchery, which will have a production capacity of five lakh seed units, is expected to meet the long-standing demand of fishermen and crab farmers in the coastal state.

Khuntia said the initiative will significantly reduce Odisha’s dependence on the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA) in Chennai for crab seeds. “The Paradip hatchery will not only meet the needs of local farmers but also boost their incomes by ensuring timely access to quality seed,” the minister added.

He expressed optimism that the project will pave the way for Odisha to become a hub of mud crab seed production in eastern India. The hatchery is also seen as a step towards diversifying aquaculture in the state and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to coastal communities.

Currently, crab farmers in Odisha face challenges in sourcing quality seeds, leading to higher costs and lower profits. With the hatchery in place, experts believe it will strengthen the aquaculture value chain and encourage more farmers to take up mud crab farming.