In recent years, Bangladesh’s shrimp market faced challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a setback in its global standing. However, as it appears there’s a change coming in Satkhira, where freshwater shrimp (M. rosenbergii) or Galda farming is making a positive turn out in the export market, a beacon of hope for the country’s seafood industry.
In the current fiscal year 2023-24, Satkhira district has witnessed a surge in Galda exports, totaling USD 7 million. This represents not only a substantial financial boost for the district but also a notable increase of 1000 tons in freshwater shrimp production compared to the previous season. The positive momentum is expected to continue, with projections indicating further growth in both exports and production.
The Satkhira District Fisheries Department reveals that the region engages in commercial cultivation of various shrimp species, including Bagda (P. monodon), Galda (M. rosenbergii), Harina (M. monoceros) etc. Despite the popularity of Bagda (P. monodon), farmers are increasingly turning to Galda (M. rosenbergii) farming due to the high prevalence of viruses and infectious diseases affecting Bagda. Additionally, the international market’s significant demand for Galda or freshwater shrimp makes it an attractive option for farmers.
In the current season, Galda cultivation spans 20,000 hectares across seven upazilas in the district, marking a substantial increase of 2,000 hectares from the previous season. Golam Mostafa, a seasoned Galda farmer from Raichpur village in Satkhira Sadar Upazila, shares his success story, stating that the current season’s 4-hectare Galda farming yielded a profit of $7.3 thousand, exceeding the previous season’s earnings of $5.5 thousand. Encouraged by the high growth and favorable prices, Mostafa plans to expand his Galda cultivation in the future.
Despite the success, farmers highlight challenges in Galda production, particularly in the collection of post larvae. Restrictions on collecting PL’s (Post Larvae) from rivers or the Sundarbans, coupled with illegal imports from India which are often disease prone, contribute to the insufficiency of freshwater shrimp production compared to the demand. Farmers are calling for government support to address these challenges and ensure sustainable growth in the Galda industry.
Abul Kalam Babla, the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Prawn Growers Association, emphasizes the vast potential in Satkhira for Galda exports. However, he points out complications in collecting it’s PL, urging government intervention to boost PL production and avert potential disruptions in Galda farming due to the shortages of PL in the future.
Satkhira District Fisheries Officer Anichur Rahman emphasizes the district’s progress, stating that the current season witnessed a 2,000-hectare increase in freshwater shrimp cultivation, resulting in the production of 11 thousand tons with an estimated export market value of $7 million. This notable growth signifies Satkhira’s pivotal role in reshaping Bangladesh’s seafood industry, promising a brighter future for Galda exports.
