Kerala varsity's plan to popularise Vannamei shrimp farming

In an attempt to popularise the farming model of 'Litopenaes Vannamei', Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies has formulated an action plan to launch a large-scale vannamei farming project by organising shrimp farmers across the state.
KUFOS proposes to start the venture by forming various farmers' groups and to help them export the yield avoiding intermediaries.
"The University will help the farmers to avail the license from the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), Chennai for starting the vannamei shrimp culture. KUFOS experts will monitor the precautionary arrangements after visiting the farming ponds set up by the farmers in the groups," KUFOS said in a release here today.

As part of the plan, KUFOS will organise extensive training programmes and an aqua-exhibition on August 20 and 21 for shrimp farmers all over the state, with an aim to make them aware of the different stages of farming procedures and to enable them to meet directly the major manufacturers and feed agencies functioning in the field of aquaculture.
"The University project offers a unique opportunity to the shrimp farmers in the State, as it helps them to start the vannamei farming without investing a huge amount as capital in the initial stage of the venture," KUFOS Vice Chancellor B Madhusoodana Kurup said.

KUFOS will undertake the farming practice by adopting all eco-friendly methods for maintaining sustainability.

It will also help to get easy access in the global market by availing the certification of Aquaculture Stewardship Council (A S C), a major global agency headquartered in Netherlands to issue eco-labelling certificate to seafood varieties.
Efforts are on to get the cooperation of the ASC, which is ready to meet the 60 per cent of capital for the farming, if the eco-friendly methods prescribed the agency are being followed in the venture, Kurup said.
The two-day training programme and aqua-exhibition will be inaugurated by Fisheries Minister K Babu on August 20 at KUFOS headquarters in Panangad.