Fishery experts have called upon Kerala’s farming community to take a proactive role in Vannamei shrimp cultivation, the most sought 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 license to carry out vannamei farming. The farmers were also handed over the technology and introduced 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 U.S. to fetch more earnings with its higher meat yield.

Many of the maritime states like Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Tamil Nadu took advantage of introduction of vannamei in their culture basket of shrimp more than six years back. Vannamei production in India is 3 lakh tonnes, which is expected to cross 5 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 farming 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, K K Vijayan, Director, CIBA said.

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