ACI Group, a well-known company in Bangladesh with diverse investments and businesses across various sectors, has made significant strides in the country’s agriculture industry. ACI Agrolink, a subsidiary of ACI Group, focuses on the agricultural sector, and in 2020, the company entered the shrimp export industry.
ACI is now preparing to introduce disease-free Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) post larvae (PLs) of Black Tiger Shrimp (P. monodon) into the market. These high-quality shrimp fry, which are free from specific diseases, will be made available in the Kaliganj upazila of Satkhira district. ACI Agrolink is committed to providing specialized services to shrimp farmers both before and after the sale of post larvae. This initiative by ACI Agribusiness aims to enhance shrimp farming in the country and increase exports. The marketing of the shrimp fry will be a joint effort between ACI Agrolink and MKA Hatchery.
Industry stakeholders have noted that the mortality rate of the currently available shrimp fry in the market, which consists of a combination of traditional hatchery and wild-caught fry, is about 70%. In contrast, the mortality rate of these SPF fry is only 10%. Consequently, the introduction of disease-free fry is expected to significantly boost shrimp production in the country and open up opportunities for increased export revenue.
Dr. F H Ansarey, the President of ACI Agri Business Division, said to Sarabangla (a local news media), “We are currently exporting shrimp worth 2 million dollars per month. Our entry into shrimp fry production will establish a new industry. Starting next month, we will offer shrimp fingerlings measuring 2.5-3 inches, with a mortality rate of only 10%, compared to the traditional rate of 70%. This has the potential to revolutionize shrimp farming in our country.”
To ensure the supply of quality shrimp fry for the overall shrimp farming industry, ACI Agrolink and MKA Hatchery have collaborated on a joint initiative. The Black Tiger Shrimp SPF PLs will be produced in Cox’s Bazar and marketed in the Kaliganj Upazila of Satkhira district, utilizing appropriate biological safety measures and modern techniques.
Once the shrimp fry is delivered to the farmers, the staff of ACI Agrolink will offer scientific instructions and advice tailored to the condition of each farmer’s pond. This personalized support will enable farmers to cultivate shrimp in an optimal manner. Through the implementation of this technology and specialized services, ACI Agrolink anticipates a significant increase in shrimp productivity.
To further advance the shrimp farming sector, ACI Agrolink plans to implement several schemes in collaboration with shrimp farmers’ associations. These schemes include contract farming, shrimp insurance, and direct purchase of shrimps from farms. Officials believe that these initiatives will benefit both the farmers and ACI Agrolink.
The entire process, from cultivation to market supply, will be traceable, instilling consumer confidence, stimulating the export sector, and enriching Bangladesh’s shrimp industry. Industry stakeholders are optimistic that ACI’s promotion of disease-free shrimp will have a positive impact on shrimp farming in the country.
