Kochi: Encouraging results of trial farming of an exotic shrimp variety, launched by Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), has proved that the white-leg shrimp can be cultured successfully in Kerala's brackish water ecosystem.
The harvesting of the pilot culture of Litopenaeus Vannamei shrimp took place here Saturday and was termed a huge success with a 85 percent survival rate and better growth rate.
KUFOS started the trial farming of the shrimp, the first of its kind in Kerala, in four ponds at its regional station in Puduveypu near here in March to develop a model farming system which could be suitable for the state's particular water ecosystem.
As part of this, 40,000 specific pathogen free (SPF) seeds of vannamei shrimp were released into one pond with an area of 1,000 square metres. KUFOS also maintained a reservoir and an effluent treatment system (ETS) and set up bio-fencing, bird fencing, crab fencing and other biosecurity measures.
After 94 days, a catch of 650 kg of vannamei were harvested on Saturday from one pond itself. The trail farming also proved that 5.5 to six tonnes vannamei could be produced from one hectare, earning a profit of Rs.14 lakh.
The newly-developed vannamei farming model by KUFOS is particularly suitable to the conditions of 'pokkali' fields in the state.
Fisheries Minister K.Babu inaugurated the harvest festival in Puduveypu in the presence of the shrimp farmers, fishery scientists, researchers and students.
"With the success of the pilot culture of vannamei shrimp, it would be easier to usher in a 'Vannamei Revolution' in the state in coming years. The positive result of the trial farming will definitely change the lives of shrimp farmers in Kerala. The newly developed farming model will be extended to other parts of the state," he said.
KUFOS Vice Chancellor B.Madhusoodana Kurup said the positive result is a historical milestone in the shrimp farming sector in Kerala.
"KUFOS will extend the farming into more ponds with varying densities. Now, the university plans to develop diversified farming practices of vannamei shrimp. KUFOS will transfer the technology and farming model developed by the varsity to more farmers," he said.
Litopenaeus vannamei is an omnivorous scavenger and is less aggressive and less carnivorous than P. monodon or the Black Tiger shrimp).
It is easier to culture in very high stocking densities of up to 150/sqm due to their less aggressive nature. It is tolerant to wide range of salinities of 0.5 to 45 ppt, and it requires low protein feed (20-35 percent). The temperature in Kerala is also suitable to its growth.
Vennamei is also an easy-to-breed species and hence domestication of the species is very successful with the production of specific pathogen free (SPF) stock. Commercial availability of SPF and high-health seed stock is an added advantage.
It has a very good market in the US, as the most preferred species with higher meat yield.
