The Beginning of an Entrepreneurial Journey

Ripon’s journey began in the 1990s, while he was a student at Govt. B. L. College. Unlike many of his peers, who aspired to traditional careers, Ripon had a different vision. He wanted to be an employer, not an employee.

What started as a small shrimp farm in a personal space soon turned into a flourishing business. Seeing positive returns, he decided to expand commercially in 2001. By 2007, his shrimp farming area had grown to 150 bighas, and today, he manages an impressive 1,800 bighas ( approx. 240 hectare) across six farms, employing around 500 workers.

“I never wanted a job. I always believed in creating opportunities rather than seeking them,” Ripon shared, reflecting on his early aspirations.

Overcoming Challenges to Build an Empire

Success did not come easy. Like many shrimp farmers in Bangladesh, Ripon faced numerous hurdles, from disease outbreaks to political resistance and environmental challenges.

“Shrimp farming was never easy,” he admitted. “There were constant challenges—diseases, extreme weather, and even opposition from influential individuals. But I knew that perseverance and innovation were the keys to overcoming them.”

During one of the toughest phases, Ripon found himself battling resistance from political figures over water extraction rights from the river. Despite these setbacks, he pushed forward, committed to his vision of revolution in shrimp farming.

Innovation and Expansion in Shrimp Farming

Ripon attributes much of his success to advanced techniques in shrimp farming, which he adopted with support from the Department of Fisheries. These techniques not only increased productivity but also set a benchmark for other farmers in the region.

His influence is evident. Neighboring shrimp farmers, such as Alauddin Sohag, acknowledge Ripon’s role as a trailblazer. “Farmers in the coastal belt now follow the path Ripon has set,” Sohag noted.

Beyond his own farming operations, Ripon supplies high-quality shrimp fries from Cox’s Bazar to other farmers, further strengthening the industry.

Today, his businesses, Royal Fish Trading and Royal Fish Culture, generate an annual revenue of Tk 10-12 crore (approx. a million in USD). And he has no plans of stopping. With an eye on further expansion, Ripon aims to make Bangladesh’s shrimp industry more competitive in the global market.

Recognition and Industry Leadership

Ripon’s dedication and contributions have earned him numerous awards at both upazila and district levels. He currently serves as:

• President of Khulna Divisional Hatchery Traders Association
• General Secretary of Paikgacha Upazila Shrimp Farmers Association

His work has also drawn appreciation from government officials and experts.

Khulna District Fisheries Officer Dr. Farhana Taslima remarked, “For years, shrimp farmers suffered losses due to traditional farming methods, disease outbreaks, and climate change. Ripon’s cluster farming approach has provided a sustainable model that is now helping local farmers thrive.”

The Future of Bangladesh’s Shrimp Industry

Ripon’s story is not just about personal success—it’s a testament to the potential of Bangladesh’s shrimp industry. With over 5,000 shrimp farms covering 20,000 hectares in Paikgacha alone, the sector holds immense opportunities.

Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Saikat Mallik highlighted Ripon’s contribution, stating, “His leadership in the industry has inspired a new wave of entrepreneurs, proving that with modern techniques and the right mindset, shrimp farming can be a highly profitable venture.”

As Bangladesh’s shrimp sector continues to grow, it needs visionary leaders like Ripon who are willing to embrace innovation and overcome challenges. His journey—from a college student with a dream to a pioneer in sustainable shrimp farming—is an inspiration for the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs.

What’s next for Golam Kibria Ripon? He is already working on expanding production and exploring new export opportunities. If his past success is any indication, the future of Bangladesh’s shrimp industry looks brighter than ever with adopting modern methods and innovation.

The post From dream to success: The inspiring journey of Golam Kibria Ripon in shrimp farming from Paikgacha, Khulna appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

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.

The post How far is Vannamei shrimps commercial farming in Bangladesh appeared first on Seafood Network BD.