Tiger shrimp constitute a major part of Indian seafood exports. CIFE experts were able to rear the species in inland waters. (Photo: CIFE/Stock File)

New technology allows for inland tiger shrimp farming

INDIA
Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 23:40 (GMT + 9)

Scientists have designed a new method to commercially farm tiger shrimp and prawns in inland saline waters. The researchers at the Mumbai-based Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) at its Lahli-Baniyani fish farm in Rohtak, Haryana have managed to make use of land unfit for agriculture due to a high salinity to farm shellfish.

Tiger shrimp naturally lives in the sea and is a valuable prawn in the global market. This shellfish makes up a large part of Indian seafood exports due to its high growth rate and desirable meat quality.

It is therefore in high demand. Farmers are able to earn higher prices selling this seafood than those who sell chicken, mutton and most other Indian seafood products, Food and Beverage News reports.

But tiger prawns cannot survive in inland saline waters because of ionic differences between inland and sea water. The CIFE scientists, however, were able to successfully grow tiger prawns in inland waters through their innovative and cost-effective ionic management technique.

The researchers conducted trials with seeds from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh in 2008. Results showed an average survival rate of 65 per cent with an average net production of 661 kg/ha in a period of 110 days.

Earlier this year, trials in Rohtak yielded a net shrimp production of 1,340 kg/ha with a survival rate of 84 per cent in the same period of time.

These results show similar production and survival rates as those obtained in the coastal regions. Because one crop takes just four months to harvest, farmers can produce two annual crops to supplement their income with no difficulties.

About 6.1 million ac of land are ruined for agriculture by salinity in India and the problem is expanding at an alarming rate, particularly in north-western states. The technology developed by CIFE, though, offers farmers a viable solution and employment opportunities through the management of soil and water salinity.

This new technique is remarkably cheaper and more effective than previous salinity management methods.

By Natalia Real
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

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