The Mangrove Mud Crab Hatchery Project is run by the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA) under MPEDA, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India. It started in 2004 at Thoduvai village, Sirkali Taluk, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu.
This hatchery focuses on mass production of Scylla serrata ("mud crab") seed, achieving survival rates of 4.0–4.3% — above the global average (~3.5%).
RGCA has supplied over 11 million crab instars and crablets to over 1,000 farmers since the project's inception and conducted more than 100 batches of hands-on training for nearly 1,800 entrepreneurs.
The hatchery produces year‑round live feed including algae (Nannochloropsis, Isochrysis, Tetraselmis, Chlorella), rotifers (Brachionus), and Artemia cysts—all vital for improving larval health and survival.
It offers consultancy and training programmes on:
The hatchery in Kancheepuram District is managed by Mrs. Tamilselvi Eraniyappan, who supervises around 20 women staff. She is recognized for her expertise in:
She's also a recipient of a Jamsetji Tata NVA Fellowship (2007) for her leadership in hatchery operations.
Stakeholders from ICAR‑CIBA visited the Periyar hatchery at Mugaiyur in Kancheepuram district, where Mr. Eraniyappan (proprietor) provided exposure to trainees and offered insights into crablet rearing techniques as part of livelihood‑development programs.
MPEDA‑RGCA holds a 20-year Indian patent (2011–2030) for their mud crab hatchery technology, which includes design, procedures, and biosecurity management. Their hatchery expanded seed output from 1 million/year in 2013 to 1.4 million/year, with survival improving from ~3% to ~7%.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Implementing Body | RGCA under MPEDA, Govt. of India |
| Location | Thoduvai (Mayiladuthurai, TN); Periyar facility in Mugaiyur, Kancheepuram |
| Technology Initiated | 2004 pilot, commercial by 2013 |
| Seed Output | Over 11 million supplied; ~1.4M/year |
| Survival Rates | ~4–4.3% (RGCA), ~7% globally improved |
| Live Feed Production | Algae, rotifer, Artemia cultivation standardized |
| Training & Consultancy | Extensive training (>100 batches), capacity-building for entrepreneurs |
| Hatchery Manager | Mrs. Tamilselvi Eraniyappan, women-led operation |
| Patent Status | Indian patent issued to MPEDA/RGCA (2011–2030) |
Periyar Mud Crab Hatchery
Mugaiyur, Kancheepuram
Tamil Nadu, India