Shrimp post-larvae. (Photo: cendepesca)

'Substantial' increase in farmed shrimp production expected

EL SALVADOR
Monday, September 24, 2012, 15:40 (GMT + 9)

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), through the Centre for Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Cendepesca), Aquaculture Chain, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and shrimp producers from three regions of the country will manage to produce more marine shrimp raised in ponds, which will improve the access to the product.

For this year, we expect a substantial increase in the quantity of shrimp farmed in ponds through technical training received by the producers from Jiquilisco Bay under Lempa and Jaltepeque marsh, through the Family Agriculture Programme (PAF), conducted by MAG.

El Salvador produces about one million pounds of fresh shrimp annually, but it is expected this year it will close with about three million pounds.

Marine Shrimp Farmers, about 593 people, handle 25 per cent of the total shrimp production area.

Training includes new farming and fattening techniques developed as 'learning by doing' in model farms, and then replicate their knowledge to other ponds and producers.

According to the head of MAG, Pablo Alcides Ochoa, thanks to PAF, shrimp farmers have improved productivity and sales revenues, resulting in an average yield increase, per pound, per farmed hectare, per harvested cycle of 67.4 per cent, the ministry reported.

"Before the PAF, the producer sold a pound of fresh shrimp (farm gate price) for USD 1.80 and now, during the term of the PAF and after learning by doing, the producer will have the possibility of selling a pound of fresh shrimp for USD 2.50," he said.

It is expected shrimp farms will have at least one qualified supervisor on each farm, who will be responsible for keeping systematic controls and monitoring. That way, it will be possible to transform the farms into profitable and sustainable businesses.

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

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