|
| Shrimp farmers go for early harvest in Andhra |
| VDS Rama Raju / Chennai/ Visakhapatnam Aug 13, 2009, 00:52 IST |
|
Seafood exporters in Andhra Pradesh are advising aqua farmers to go for early harvesting in order to meet their export requirements. Of about Rs 1,500 crore worth of marine exports from the state, about 75 per cent is tiger shrimp, which comes from aqua culture.
“We are getting major orders for 40 count and 50 count tiger shrimp. This apart, international prices are very attractive for these count shrimp, hence, we are suggesting aqua farmers to go for early harvesting,” Surya Rao, President, AP Seafood Exporters Association, told Business Standard.
Farmers too are responding favourably keeping the gains in mind.
This is despite the reported warning by the European Union that it would ban imports from India due to detection of an antibiotic residue, presence of bacteria, traces of heavy metals and unhygienic condition of the products.
About 120,000 acres are covered under aqua culture in the state. During this season, the tiger shrimp yield per acre is about one tonne. Exporters are currently offering Rs 300 per kg for 30 count aqua tiger shrimp, Rs 240-250 for 40 count and Rs 200-210 for 50 count shrimp.
“We expected some drop in the international prices in the months of July and August. However, due to short supply of 40 count and 50 count from other countries, importers in Japan, US and European Union countries have not reduced prices for the Indian shrimp,” Rao said.
Of the Rs 8,600 crore marine exports from the country during the last fiscal, exports worth of Rs 5,054 crore went to Japan, US and European Union countries.
Rao said majority of the farmers were harvesting their shrimp at 40-50 count size and they were getting good prices. “If the farmers wait for 30 count size, they have to invest additional amount for feed. Moreover, they would have to wait for another 20-30 days for harvesting and during this period shrimp may get diseases. Keeping all these factors in mind, a majority of farmers are evincing interest in early harvesting during this season,” he said.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Read Business news in |  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertisements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Content Guide
