Research Of Young Professor Brings New Hope For Lobster Farming In Odisha

Berhampur: The contribution of a young professor towards lobster farming through research has earned her appreciation from India Book of Records.

In its appreciation letter, the Editorial Board of India Book of Records said the research and innovation in pisciculture by  Sagarika Tripathy, Assistant Professor, Roland Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Berhampur would give a new hope for breeding lobsters in Odisha and become a source of income for the farmers.

In her reaction, Sagarika said following her successful research in lobster farming in cages, she had approached National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for assistance. With the help of ADARSHA, a voluntary organisation, she started giving training to the SHG members on lobster farming at Baxipalli in Gopalpur two years back.

“Land-based lobster farming is certainly challenging. But I used some modified techniques so that the lobsters can survive in conducive environmental conditions. During the incubation period, we need to take special care of the lobsters. So I used a tank first and then put those in direct sea water in cages to let them grow,” said Sagarika.

Though lobsters are normally sold at Rs 700 to Rs 1200 per kg, the rate varies depending on availability. “For the last two months, we have been selling it at more than Rs 700 per kg,” she said.

“In the last 3 months, our production rate has been good and the baby lobsters, which are still in incubation, can bring a good profit in coming months,” she added.