KOCHI: After successfully completing the field trials of whiteleg shrimp or vannamei shrimp farming in the State, the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) is all set to popularise the exotic shrimp variety among farmers here.
As the first step, the University will transfer the technology of vannamei shrimp farming to 30-odd selected farmers.
“In a first in the State, the KUFOS started trial farming of vannamei shrimp (litopenaeus vannamei) in March, after getting permission from the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) in Chennai. The University decided to extend the farming after reviewing the success of the trials in the brackish water ecosystem,” stated a press release from the university.
The University will begin technology transfer among farmers on Monday with a training session at its ‘fisheries station’ at Puthuvype, in which 30 farmers will be introduced to the procedures and farming practices.
The farmers will also be imparted lessons on the precautions to be taken when the exotic shrimp is released under the prevailing conditions, as well as on management practices, nutritional requirements for feeding, feed management and the biology and lifecycle of the species.
In addition, the farmers will be provided with certain tips on regulations, the need to assess the conditions and the precautions to be taken before starting vennamei farming.
KUFOS Vice-chancellor Prof B Madhusoodana Kurup will inaugurate the training programme at a function to be presided over by Pro-vice-chancellor Dr K Padmakumar.
“The university will also help the farmers to acquire licence, so that farming could be started in September or October this year,” the press release said.