India’s Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) has begun vannamei shrimp farming – the first of its kind in Kerala.
Inaugurating the farming venture at the Fisheries Station of KUFOS, Minister for Fisheries K Babu said that a model farming system of Litopenaeus Vannamei suitable for the particular brackish water ecosystem of the State would be developed.
“All procedures proposed by Coastal Aquaculture Authority should be followed during vannamei farming to get positive results, otherwise it will have negative impact on the ecosystem,” said K Babu.
“Shrimp farmers in the State will be able to understand the ways and techniques of the farming practice of the species by visiting the shrimp farms at KUFOS station,” added Professor B Madhusoodana Kurup, vice chancellor, KUFOS.
The Minister also said that the Kerala Fish Seed Bill, 2014 passed by the Assembly will enhance the quantity and quality of fish seeds produced in the State by regulating its production, marketing and stocking.
KUFOS is expected to carry out research to study the cause of ‘White Spot Syndrome’, the viral disease commonly seen in shrimps.
KUFOS will also provide training programmes to shrimp farmers in the State on the sustainable farming of litopenaeus vannamei.
