The Tamil Nadu Fisheries University (TNFU), Nagapattinam, has announced the Innovation Challenge Contest 2017 for designing an indigenous tilapia filleting machine. According to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), genetically improved farmed tilapia has become a fish of choice for aquaculture as it grows fast and is an affordable source of animal protein. The MPEDA is keen on tapping the potential to scale up export of tilapia, the third-most important fish after carps and salmon due to its suitability for fast growth in tropical zones. The species takes six months to reach to 600 to 900 gm size from 50 to 80 gm size. The university has invited students from fisheries and engineering colleges aspiring to contribute to the success of India’s aquaculture sector to submit their concept before October 20. The winning entry will qualify for funding of Rs. 1 lakh. The announcement coincides with the international workshop on Tilapia – the future fish,’ held recently at Institute of Post-Graduation Studies, Padur, Chennai. The premier tilapia aquaculture event was conducted for the first time in India, TNFU, sources said. The workshop covered various aspects including state of industry and challenges, new frontiers in tilapia aquaculture; production, health and environment; and performance feeds and cost efficiency. Breakthrough Through the Tilapia Research Centre at Barur in Krishnagiri district was set up to develop breeding techniques, the TNFU had achieved breakthrough in all male seed production and development of low cost technology, and has been transferring technical knowledge on tilapia farming to farmers through periodic training. The objective includes undertaking genetic upgradation of tilapia to evolve a hybrid or strain of improved quality; studying the genetic diversity of different populations of tilapia in Tamil Nadu; and producing and supplying genetically improved and all male tilapia fingerlings to farmers. Earlier this year, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) sponsored a training programme on Biosecured Monosex Tilapia (GIFT) Farming at the Centre to expose farmers to the technical details about pond preparation, culture of tilapia, feeding of tilapia, cage farming and biosecured farming.