• Mud crabs always in great demand for local consumption and live mud crab export trade
• Larger species of mud crab (Scylla tranquebarica) known to attain a maximum size of 2.4kg
• Sizable foreign exchange earning by export of live mud crabs           

MUD CRAB FATTENING – WHY?

Weak and less weight water crabs (recently moulted) not accepted in export trade. Rearing of water crabs for 3-4 weeks : An easy ideal operation with less financial inputs and an alternative livelihood for coastal fisher folks.

FATTENING IN CAGES  / PENS / FENCED EARTHEN PONDS

• Fiberglass cages
• Plastic coated G.I wire mesh pen fixed in open brackishwater
• Earthen ponds with nylon net fencing
• Water crabs reared on trash fish / pelleted feed for 3-4 weeks to gain weight

INVOLVEMENT OF CRAB FARMERS AND SELF HELP GROUPS (SHGs)

• Tie-up – Supply of water crabs by export companies and fattening by crab farmers / SHGs

ANNUAL NET PROFIT

• Rs 7000/- from one cage with 9 compartments
• Rs 24,000/- from 100 m2 pen
• Rs 22,000/- from 100 m2 pond

TRAINING AND AWARNESS

• In-house /field training to farmers and SHGs