Shrimp seed multiplication centre to be established in AP

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) A multi-billion shrimp seed multiplication centre is being established to produce pathogen-free seed of shrimp.

The Multiplication Centre will be established in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh with technology from a Hong Kong firm. It would bring genetically improved shrimp, SPF-shrimp, and produce about three billion post-larvae at full capacity in about three years.

This is expected to bring in a new approach for quality seed management, enhanced productivity and profitability in Indian aquaculture.

An agreement for the above project was signed between the National Fisheries Development Board and Hong Kong -based Moana Technologies here today in the presence of Minister Agriculture Sharad Pawar, who is also the Chairman of Governing Body of National Fisheries Development Board.

Mr Pawar lauded the pioneering effort and said this would greatly help the shrimp farmers in the years to come.

Indian shrimp farming is mainly based mainly on black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon.

While the present annual production through culture is of the order of 1.2 lakh tonnes, the main problem has been the availability of quality seed.

White spot syndrome virus disease has been a major problem.

The biosecure multiplication centre seed will produce seed free from this pathogen.

UNI JSS SR HT1852