The Bangladesh shrimp industry intends to use Quick Response or “QR code” in order to speed up the dissemination of safety processing information to consumers.
A QR code is a form of barcode that is readily readable by a digital device and retains info as a series of square-shaped pixels.
In the case of shrimp, the QR code will include details regarding the farmer, shrimp species, product, supply chain, and secure food certification. Using a straightforward scan-to-code function on a smartphone, a consumer can identify shrimp with details on standards of quality.
Earlier in 2016, a similar initiative was aided by USAID was carried out by WorldFish for the first five months of the year with technology provided by SourceTrace. This initiative was initiated by WorldFish in an effort to improve the security of shrimp production and increase the transparency of its marketing.
“The primary objective of the initiative is to increase productivity and promote Bangladesh internationally as a reliable source of high-quality seafood. If we can refine our product’s branding, the country could earn Tk 100 billion (approximately $1 billion) by exporting only shrimp,” said, Saroj Kumar Mistry, deputy project director at SCMFP in Khulna.
Saroj Kumar Mistry said, “We cultivate shrimp in an organic fashion through cluster-based aquaculture. In organic aquaculture, no harmful substances are used. As part of this e-traceability system, QR codes will be placed on the outer coverings of the shrimps packaging in order to exchange production data with the global community. This will be a part of the nation’s brand.”
“Through the digital coding system, buyers in Dhaka can readily identify the shrimp’s origin and the farmer,” according to an official.
He stated that the initiative will encourage producers to raise more shrimps without chemical intervention.
“We wish to communicate to the world that Bangladeshi seafood is secure and of superior quality. In accordance with the e-traceability initiative, the shrimp will be labeled with a QR code containing information about producers and other value chain participants. Any buyer can identify the product’s producers by scanning the product’s barcode,” Mistry added.
Since July 2018, the Department of Fisheries has been conducting the Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project (SCMFP), the second component of which aims to increase prawn production twofold. By generating digital identities for aquaculture items, the entire supply chain, from catch to plate, can be traced. Which will subsequently increase the production of shrimp and other aquaculture products.
Individual QR codes displayed on products can immediately connect consumers with real-time product information. In order for seafood companies to meet the high requirements of the Bangladeshi seafood sector, QR codes are proven to be a crucial tool for giving brands and customers access to critical data.
By comprehending where, when, and how consumers engage with a company’s marine products, Bangladeshi brands can better comprehend customer requirements and improve their advertising activities.
Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU
