Bhubaneswar: A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged to establish crab hatchery in Paradeep, the first in the state. The tripartite MoU formalizing this initiative was exchanged today at the beach clean-up event in Puri.
This collaboration brings together the state’s Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, the technical expertise of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA), and the ECRICC (Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities) Odisha project.
With an investment of ₹3.58 crore from the Green Climate Fund, this hatchery is a strategic infrastructure project designed to transform crab aquaculture in the region. The hatchery is projected to produce one million quality crab seeds annually, which will provide a stable and reliable source of livelihood for local farmers, reduce pressure on wild crab populations, and significantly boost the state’s blue economy and export potential through sustainable practices.
“This crab hatchery marks a historic turning point for Odisha’s crab farmers. It will ensure a steady supply of high-quality crablets, boosting climate-adaptive livelihoods across the state,” said Prem Kumar Jha, State Project Director, ECRICC.
A coffee table book titled ‘ECRICC Odisha: Restoring Ecosystems, Securing Livelihoods,’ was also launched capturing the activities and overview of the project.
Besides, four grassroots climate champions engaged under the ECRICC project were also felicitated. These champions, most of whom are women, are actively engaged in implementing ECRICC activities focused on ecological restoration, developing climate-adaptive livelihood options for their communities, and leading local interventions.
