Traditional method of cultivation and fall in saline water flow into rivers are among the factors causing setback in Bangladesh’s shrimp sector, finds a government study.
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock released the study report on problems and suggestions for shrimp sector regarding export.
Earlier, a policy making committee led by Senior Commerce Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamoon had requested for a report identifying reasons behind fall of the country’s shrimp production and export. The committee sought advices to improve the situation.
In the report, the fisheries ministry said the country produces 400kg shrimps in traditional cultivation method in a hectare of land.
But in semi-intensive method it can produce 5-6 tonnes of shrimp in the same size of land.
To increase production of the “white gold”, the ministry suggested expansion of improved extensive shrimp cultivation methodology by forming clusters and introducing semi-intensive cultivation method in a larger scale to enhance production.
The report urged to concentrate on taking initiatives to ensure supply specific pathogen-free shrimps and to produce higher value-added shrimp products as per the demand of global markets.
It also suggested providing cash incentives and single-digit loans to the marginal farmers.
The report asked to ensure enough flow of saline water in the coastal areas by dredging rivers and canals and to build culverts and sluice gate to control water flow.
“We will review the suggestions and problems identified by the ministry first,” Hedayetullah Al Mamoon told the Dhaka Tribune.
He said based on the review, the long-term, short-term and mid-term steps would be taken.
According to the ministry data, in the last fiscal year, Bangladesh produced 223,788 tonnes of shrimps, which was 3.47% less than 231,842 tonnes in the fiscal year 2012-13.
Shrimp production suffered downward trend in last three consecutive years.
Meanwhile, in the FY2014-15, Bangladesh exported 44,278 tonnes of shrimps, falling over 7% from 47,635 tonnes in the previous year.
In the last fiscal year, the export earnings from the shrimp sector also slumped by 7.36% to $510m, which was $550m in the same period a year ago.
The slowdown in exports has been attributed to the fall in production, said the report suggesting introducing scientific cultivation method in firming shrimps.
The report also blamed devaluation of euro against dollar for the drop in earnings from shrimp exports as the European Union is a major destination of Bangladesh shrimp. Economic recession in destination countries exacerbated the situation.
Besides,Vannamei shrimp producing countries offered lower prices for their products compared to Bangladesh’s prices for Black Tiger shrimps, making the latter less competitive.
The declining prices in the global market also reflected in the export earnings from the sector.
Besides, farmers had to sell shrimps at reduced prices, which was discouraging for them to continue shrimp cultivation.
In this backdrop, the study report suggested taking necessary measures to remain competitive in the global market.
