Bangladesh is famous for its native shrimp species, the Black Tiger shrimp (P. monodon) for its distinct taste and flavor. Commercial shrimp cultivation has started in the country from 1980’s. Ever since the country’s shrimp production has observed many fluctuations in regular basis and some cases it has given a straight nosedive.
Bangladesh’s shrimp industry’s development has been hindered by many factors and scarcity of quality shrimp PL is one of the most important one.
Though, recently various initiatives are being taken to promote specific disease free (SPF) post larvae (PL) to increase shrimp production in the country. With government support entrepreneurs are upgrading general hatcheries to Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) hatcheries, nurseries are also being converted into SPF nurseries. Currently, only three hatcheries are producing disease-free shrimp fry.
However, by the industry expert’s opinion, the spread of disease-free shrimp hatchery in the country is not flourishing as the illegal importation of Nauplii and post larvae from neighboring country India. Meanwhile, non-mandatory of virus-free certificates in the marketing of PL has also hindered its spread.
According to the stakeholders, about 15 million people are directly and indirectly associated with the shrimp industry. This sector has also created the livelihood of millions of people. The sector is also playing a role in the export earnings of the country.
Due to the effect of climate change, demand for other shrimp species (mostly L. vannamei) in the global market and lack of improved farming techniques are preventing this sector to maximizing the benefits. In order to accelerate the benefits of shrimp farming and the export of shrimp, its backward linkage should be strengthened.
A key aspect of backward linkage in the shrimp industry is the use of high quality PL. The employment of specific pathogen free (SPF) PL has been identified as a critical factor in increasing production. SPF PLs are free from 12 diseases, including white spot and white-tail diseases that affect shrimp. The survival rate of SPF fry is several times higher than non-SPF post larvae.
Currently, the spread of “disease free shrimp fry” production is limited, with only three hatcheries in the country producing SPF fry. However, the government, in collaboration with the World Bank, is supporting several hatcheries and nurseries under a project initiated by the Department of Fisheries. The project aims to produce disease-free broodstocks, sterile post-larvae, and polychaete, with the ultimate goal of enhancing shrimp quality and production. It is to be noted that Niribili Hatchery has started the first commercial production of polychaete in Bangladesh.
Despite these positive initiatives, challenges remain. The smuggling of diseased Nauplii from neighboring India during the fishing ban period (May 20 to July 23) poses a significant threat to the industry. Furthermore, the absence of mandatory virus-free certificates for hatchery disease and the lack of proper implementation of the Fisheries Act-2010 contribute to the spread of disease among mother shrimp and fry in Bangladesh.
To ensure the production of disease-free shrimp fry, it is imperative to make virus-free certificates mandatory for all hatcheries producing SPF PLs. Additionally, measures must be taken to halt the smuggling of diseased Nauplii. The existing laws are in place, but their effective implementation is crucial to providing disease-free shrimp to farmers and significantly increasing shrimp production in the country.
Several hatcheries and nurseries are being supported under the ongoing project. The hatcheries and nurseries being supported are – FishTech Hatchery Limited, Golden Aqua Shrimp Hatchery Limited, MKA Hatchery, ARC Shrimp Hatchery, Bengal Bay Hatchery, Balaka Hatchery Limited, Borak Shrimp Hatchery Limited, Kazi SPF Nursing Point, Kapotakshma Shrimp Hatchery Limited, Masum Shrimp Hatchery Limited, Blue Star Hatchery & Nursery, Desh Bangla Hatchery SPF Hatchery, S Alam Nursing Point, Badhaban SPF Nursing Point and Chitra SPF Nursing Point.
However, some hatchery owners express concerns about the financial assistance provided under the project, as it falls short of the actual expenses required to meet the World Bank’s conditions.
In conclusion, while progress has been made in the development of SPF shrimp PL-producing hatcheries, the growth rate is not as expected due to various complexities. In order to advance the shrimp industry and prevent it from losing its potential, the government and stakeholders must work together in a cooperative manner. This will ensure the widespread adoption of disease-free shrimp fry, leading to a prosperous and promising future for this sector in Bangladesh.
