Shrimp is one of the top seafood delicacy across the globe regardless the borders and cultures. Seafood enthusiast loves shrimps and its dishes. It is never enough for them. The global shrimp market size was valued at USD 37.6 billion in 2021. It is estimated to reach USD 85.2 billion by 2030, growing at a
CAGR (Compound annual growth rate) of 9.5% during the forecast period (2022–2030).
This multi billion dollar shrimp market is dominated by a single variety and its estimated more than 70% of total consumption. This specific variety commercially known as Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). It is also called Whiteleg / Pacific white shrimp or King prawn and native to the tropical East Pacific from the Gulf of California, Mexico to northern Peru. Vannamei shrimps are in aquaculture practice in this part of the world (China, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Myanmar) since long while now.
Ironically, in Bangladesh it was forbidden to import Vannamei fries and cultivate. Bangladesh shrimp farming has been started from late 60’s and get more popularize among the farmers since the 80’s. The Black Tiger Shrimps (Penaeus monodon) and Fresh Water Shrimp (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) are the two species cultivating here. Financial gain and growth were satisfactory from the farming of these two species. And it was until the Vannamei Shrimp came into the picture of aquaculture practice in South Asian countries.
It was introduced into Asia experimentally from 1978 to 1979, but commercially only since 1996 into Taiwan, China and subsequently to several countries in south-east & south Asia. Vannamei shrimp farming commercially started in India since 2008. In Vietnam started at 2000, developed rapidly in the central provinces and then in the Mekong Delta since 2007. China, Vietnam and India are now three big players in the game.
Bangladesh’s shrimp industry growth was slowly rising from 2000 till the fiscal year of 2013-2014 except a short fallout around 2008-09 due to the natural disaster. This industry was spotted at the 2nd position in earning foreign currency for the country’s economy. Now it has slided to the 7th position.
Vannamei SPF has high larval survival ratio, faster growth rate, better tolerance to high stocking density. These properties made vannamei production high and turned it to commercially successful. Though to maintain and initiate the farming requires more money than Black Tiger Shrimp extensive farm.
During 2008, the whole world suffered a recession. In the post-recession world, consumers tend to be more cautious over prices and this is also a great reason for vannamei shrimp’s success for the last decade. Black Tiger Shrimp is considered as a luxury seafood item in Europe and USA for its price.
There were 130 Shrimp processing factories in Bangladesh where only 40 of them are still active. According to the exporters, it happened due to less product availability for them. Bangladesh frozen shrimp exporters association or BFFEA (Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporter Association) leaders are urging the related authorities to allow Vannamei shrimp cultivation in Bangladesh for long time now.
With the years of pressure from the exporters, their urge saw a beacon of light. Last year the Department of Fisheries had allowed a total 8 companies in Khulna and 4 companies in the Chittagong region to bring Vannamei shrimp fry from Thailand for experimental cultivation.
The eight companies granted permission in Khulna region were, MU Seafoods, Fahim Seafoods, Grotech Aquaculture Limited, Radiant Shrimp Culture, Ayan Shrimp Culture, EFG Aqua Farming, JBS Food Products and Industries Limited and Ranthi Aqua Culture Limited.
And four companies from Chittagong region were, MK Hatchery in Ukhia of Cox’s Bazar, Dafa Feed and Agro Products Ltd under Karnaphuli in Chattogram, Niribili Hatchery in the Kalatali area of Cox’s Bazar, and Midway Scientific Fisheries Ltd in Khurushkul of Cox’s Bazar.
Including Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) and all of these entities ran a pilot program of Vannamei shrimp cultivation. In response to project performance, Jesshore’s MU Seafood Ltd Managing Director Mr. Shyamal Das said that a one-acre pond produced 4,445 kg of Vannamei shrimp. Accordingly, per hectare production will be 11,100 kg of shrimp.
Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA) Vice-President Mr. S Humayun Kabir said,
“In 2021, the experimental cultivation of Vannamei shrimp was carried out for the first time. That year, in 109 days, a one-acre pond produced 4,101 kg of Vannamei shrimp. This year, 4,445 kg shrimp were produced per acre in 88 days.”
Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) in Paikgacha, Khulna also started farming in their brackish water pond from August 5 last year. The shrimps were caught once they were 88-day-old this year. It was found that compared to last year, the yield from the same-sized pond increased by 344 kg.
With the harvesting from BFRI ponds this year end of September, the whole pilot program has been considered as successful project. In the accounts of success from all the test run, Bangladesh Fisheries Department under the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry now evaluating all the data and metrics they have got.
Sources from the related department and EPB (Export Promotion Bureau) have suggested that govt. high authority has reached a verdict in favor of the long waited decision on commercial farming of Vannamei Shrimp in Bangladesh. The legislative bodies are making regulatory terms to put commercial farming into operation. All the procedure and directives making will be completed within the next couple of months.
Department of Fisheries source also informed that 11 companies have already applied to the ministry to start commercial farming of Vannamei shrimp, and the technical committee of the ministry has already inspected the infrastructure, capacity and transportation system of the institutions. Now it’s time to wait and get the official confirmation from the authorities. It’ll be the most welcoming news in the shrimp aquaculture sector of Bangladesh. We are very hopeful to see vannamei shrimp in commercial farming from the next season in Bangladesh.
