Kufos Vannamei shrimp harvesting tomorrow

Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) is all set to harvest trial farming of Vannamei shrimp at its regional station in Puthuvype on Saturday. Fisheries minister K Babu will inaugurate the harvesting.

Kufos started the trail farming of vannamei shrimp, in March, after getting the licence from the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), Chennai. The trail culture is being conducted for developing a model farming system of vannamei suitable for the particular brackish water ecosystem of the state. The trail farming is also aimed at understanding the ways and techniques of the farming practice of the species.

The trail culture of vannamei was launched in the State after an expert committee, led by Kufos vice chancellor B Madhusoodana Kurup, studied the scientific and technical sides of the project. "The result of the trail farming will be a historical milestone in the shrimp farming sector in Kerala," said Kurup.

If it is a success, the vannamei culture could be extended to all suitable water bodies, enabling the state to fully exploit the prospects of its brackish water resources and to boost aquaculture production," said Kurup.

Scientists and experts from Kufos, CAA, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture and Mpeda will attend the harvest festival.