Kerala to develop model vannamei farming

The trial culture of vannamei, an exotic white leg shrimp, was started in the state after an expert committee studied the scientific and technical aspects of the project

Kerala plans to develop a model farming system of Litopenaeus Vannamei suitable for brackish water ecosystem.

Speaking after inaugurating the first-ever vannamei farming in the state, being launched by Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos), fisheries minister K Babu said the fisheries department and Kufos would jointly cultivate a proper farming system harmonising the ecological and geographical conditions of the state.

"In order to get positive results out of vannamei, all procedures proposed by the Coastal Aquaculture Authority should be maintained while farming the species. Otherwise, it will have a negative impact on the ecosystem," he said.

The trial culture of vannamei, an exotic white leg shrimp, was started in the state after an expert committee led by Kufos vice chancellor Professor B Madhusoodana Kurup studied the scientific and technical aspects of the project.

"Shrimp farmers in the state will be able to understand the ways and techniques of the farming practice of the species by visiting the shrimp farms at the Kufos station at Narakkal in the Ernakulam district.

The minister also said the Kerala Fish Seed Bill, 2014, passed by the Assembly will enhance the quantity and quality of fish seeds produced in the state by regulating its production, marketing and stocking.

The deep sea fishing policy report submitted by Dr Meenakumari will have more impact on Kerala because the state has a large number of traditional fishermen compared with the other states, said the minister.

The minister stocked specific pathogen free seeds of Litopenaeus Vannamei in the ponds supported by a reservoir, effluent treatment system and bio-fencing. One lakh seeds were stocked in four ponds.

Kufos Signs MoU With CIBA
In an attempt to utilise the huge potential brackish water aquaculture in the state, Kufos has signed an MoU with the Central Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai.

Under the MoU, the university will utilise the technical assistance of CIBA in undertaking diversified brackish water farming practices in the state. The partners will cooperate to conduct research, train farmers and to develop technologies for brackish water farming practices suitable to the state.

Kufos registrar VM Victor George and CIBA director KK Vijayan signed the MoU.