KOCHI: A group of experts that visited the Vannamei or Whiteleg Shrimp trial farm at Fisheries Station at Puthuvyppu of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) has reassured the farmers to shed skepticism about venturing into the farming of the exotic shrimp, which is in high demand in foreign countries.
Scientists and experts from the KUFOS, Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) Chennai, Central Institute of Brackish water Aquaculture (CIBA), Marine Products Export Development Authority and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, told farmers selected as part of a training programme on vannamei farming that the prospects are bright for the shrimp variety, a press release of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies stated.
Many states including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu took advantage of introduction of Vennamei more than six years back, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies Vice Chancellor Prof B Madhusoodana Kurup pointed out.
The national production of vannamei is 3 lakh tonnes now and it is expected to cross 5 lakh tonnes in 2016. It has a very good market in the US, and is preferred for the higher meat yield (66-68 per cent),” he added.
The status review of the trial culture has proved that the species is suitable to the conditions here, said Dr K K Vijayan, Director of the CIBA.
Dr P Ravichandran, Member Secretary of the CAA, explained the need for adopting bio-security measures, reservoirs and other procedures to be followed in Vannamei farming.
As many as 30 farmers, selected from across the state, were imparted training in vannanmei culture by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studiesas part of the technology transfer programme, the press release said.