Two young friends who pursued their post-graduation in Fisheries Science from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) have turned their academic knowledge into a thriving business. Their agri-startup, Stem Systems Private Limited, is now making waves by using advanced Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology to farm crabs using minimal space.
Founded by fisheries postgraduates and close friends Arun Das and Aswathy, the company has developed a space-efficient RAS-based crab farming system that enables commercial production even in an area as small as 10 square feet. The startup, headquartered in Ernakulam, not only exports high-quality crab meat to international markets but also trains aspiring entrepreneurs in modern aquaculture methods.
“We wanted to break the myth that crab farming requires vast water bodies or large land holdings,” said Arun Das. “With our RAS model, anyone with access to clean water, electricity, and a small space can start crab farming. Our aim is to empower youth and coastal communities with a sustainable livelihood model,” he said.
The Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) is a water-saving, eco-friendly method that continuously filters and reuses water within the system. This technology helps maintain optimal water quality and ensures healthy crab growth with minimal environmental impact. By using RAS, Stem Systems has successfully reduced the need for open pond farming, which is often unsustainable and land-intensive.
The crabs harvested from their RAS units are processed into premium-quality meat and exported. The firm has also gained recognition for its hands-on training programs that cater to farmers, students, and aquaculture enthusiasts across Kerala. These sessions include practical demonstrations on setting up micro-scale crab RAS units, species selection, feeding protocols, water management, and disease control.
“We started this venture not just to build a business, but to create an ecosystem around sustainable crab farming. The response has been overwhelming,” Arun added.
