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Surge in Giant River Prawn Farming Offers Hope for Bangladesh's Shrimp Sector
Despite the challenges faced by Bangladesh's shrimp industry, particularly exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, recent developments in the Satkhira district suggest a promising shift towards farming giant river prawns, locally known as Galda, offering a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered seafood sector.
In the fiscal year 2022-2023, Bangladesh witnessed a decline in shrimp exports, prompting concerns within the industry. However, amidst this downturn, Satkhira district has emerged as a beacon of positivity, experiencing a notable surge in giant river prawn exports. The district, which produces a significant portion of the country's shrimp and is renowned for the Sundarbans mangrove forest, saw its giant river prawn exports increase to $7 million in the current fiscal year 2023-2024, up from approximately $4.8 million the previous year. This uptick is attributed to a substantial increase in production, with nearly 10,000 tonnes harvested, marking a positive trajectory for both exports and production.
Farmers in Satkhira district are increasingly turning to giant river prawn cultivation due to its relative resilience to diseases compared to traditional shrimp species like Penaeus monodon. With concerns over diseases such as early mortality syndrome and whitespot plaguing monodon farms, giant river prawn farming presents a lucrative alternative. This shift is evident in the current season, with cultivation expanding across 20,000 hectares in the district, showcasing a significant increase from the previous season.
Giant river prawn farmers, such as Golam Mostafa from Raichpur village in Satkhira Sadar Upazila, have reported substantial profits from Galda farming, further incentivizing expansion in this sector. The United Kingdom stands as the primary importer of Bangladesh's giant river prawns, accounting for the majority of exports. However, there is also a growing demand in the domestic market, offering competitive prices that can exceed those of exports.
Despite the success witnessed in giant river prawn production, challenges remain, particularly concerning the availability of post-larvae (PLs). Farmers are urging the government to address this issue by developing hatcheries to ensure a steady supply of disease-free freshwater prawn PLs across the nation.
While giant river prawn farming presents a promising avenue for Bangladesh's shrimp industry, sustained efforts and support from stakeholders will be crucial in realizing its full potential and overcoming existing challenges.
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