Kochi, May 27:
Fishery experts
have called upon Kerala’s farming community to take a proactive role in
Vannamei shrimp cultivation, the most sought after species in the
overseas markets.
A group of scientists from Kerala
University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Coastal Aquaculture
Authority, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), Mpeda
explained the farmers on the formalities and guidelines to be followed
to acquire licence to carry out vannamei farming.
The farmers were also handed over the technology and introduced to various procedures in this regard.
As
many as 30 shrimp farmers selected from different parts of the State
were given training on the procedures of the farming practices at an
induction programme organised by KUFOS in Puthuvypeen.
The
university decided to extend the farming of this exotic shrimp variety
after reviewing the success of trials in brackish water ecosystem.
Speaking
on the occasion, KUFOS Vice-Chancellor B Madhusoodana Kurup asked the
farmers not to be sceptical on vannamei shrimp farming, considering its
market potential in the US to fetch more earnings with its higher meat
yield.
Many of the maritime States such as Andhra
Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu took advantage of introduction of
vannamei more than six years back.
Vannamei production in India is three lakh tonnes, which is expected to cross five lakh in 2016, he said.
The
trail farming being initiated by KUFOS is heading towards a success and
Kerala is likely to witness a vannamei revolution within a period of
five years, provided the active involvement of farmers in the process,
he added.
Kerala was a model in shrimp farming in the past, but was far behind with the introduction of vannamei shrimp culture.
The
status review of the trail culture has proved that the species is
suitable to the conditions of the State, KK Vijayan, Director, CIBA,
said.
Source : The Hindu Businessline
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