ACI is now preparing to introduce disease-free Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) post larvae (PLs) of Black Tiger Shrimp (P. monodon) into the market. These high-quality shrimp fry, which are free from specific diseases, will be made available in the Kaliganj upazila of Satkhira district. ACI Agrolink is committed to providing specialized services to shrimp farmers both before and after the sale of post larvae. This initiative by ACI Agribusiness aims to enhance shrimp farming in the country and increase exports. The marketing of the shrimp fry will be a joint effort between ACI Agrolink and MKA Hatchery.

Industry stakeholders have noted that the mortality rate of the currently available shrimp fry in the market, which consists of a combination of traditional hatchery and wild-caught fry, is about 70%. In contrast, the mortality rate of these SPF fry is only 10%. Consequently, the introduction of disease-free fry is expected to significantly boost shrimp production in the country and open up opportunities for increased export revenue.

Dr. F H Ansarey, the President of ACI Agri Business Division, said to Sarabangla (a local news media), “We are currently exporting shrimp worth 2 million dollars per month. Our entry into shrimp fry production will establish a new industry. Starting next month, we will offer shrimp fingerlings measuring 2.5-3 inches, with a mortality rate of only 10%, compared to the traditional rate of 70%. This has the potential to revolutionize shrimp farming in our country.”

To ensure the supply of quality shrimp fry for the overall shrimp farming industry, ACI Agrolink and MKA Hatchery have collaborated on a joint initiative. The Black Tiger Shrimp SPF PLs will be produced in Cox’s Bazar and marketed in the Kaliganj Upazila of Satkhira district, utilizing appropriate biological safety measures and modern techniques.

Once the shrimp fry is delivered to the farmers, the staff of ACI Agrolink will offer scientific instructions and advice tailored to the condition of each farmer’s pond. This personalized support will enable farmers to cultivate shrimp in an optimal manner. Through the implementation of this technology and specialized services, ACI Agrolink anticipates a significant increase in shrimp productivity.

To further advance the shrimp farming sector, ACI Agrolink plans to implement several schemes in collaboration with shrimp farmers’ associations. These schemes include contract farming, shrimp insurance, and direct purchase of shrimps from farms. Officials believe that these initiatives will benefit both the farmers and ACI Agrolink.

The entire process, from cultivation to market supply, will be traceable, instilling consumer confidence, stimulating the export sector, and enriching Bangladesh’s shrimp industry. Industry stakeholders are optimistic that ACI’s promotion of disease-free shrimp will have a positive impact on shrimp farming in the country.

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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.

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