Date:22/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/22/stories/2008032254160700.htm

National

Shrimp seed centre soon in Srikakulam

Gargi Parsai

NEW DELHI: A shrimp seed multiplication centre is being established to produce pathogen-free seeds, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. The multiplication centre will be established in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh.

Hong Kong-based M/s Moana Technologies will provide the technology that would facilitate genetically improved shrimp and produce about three billion post-larvae at full capacity in about three years. This is expected to bring in a new approach to quality seed management, enhanced productivity and profitability in Indian aquaculture.

An agreement to this effect was signed here on Thursday between the National Fisheries Development Board and M/s Moana Technologiesin the presence of Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, who is the Chairman of the Governing Body of the National Fisheries Development Board. He said this would greatly help the shrimp farmers in the years to come.

Indian shrimp farming is mainly based on black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. While the present annual production is to the tune of 1.2 lakh tonnes, the main problem is the lack of quality seed. The white spot syndrome virus disease has been a major problem. The biosecure multiplication seed centre will produce seeds free from this pathogen.