Cell in AU to train shrimp farmers
27 March 2007INDIA - While shrimp industry in the State is reeling under the impact of diseases Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is focussing on networking of Ocean and Atmospheric Science and Technology Cells (OASTCs) with a variety of institutions in the country and outside.
The OASTC of Andhra University is one of nine such bodies in the country doing research on disease-resistant varieties of shrimp to help the farmers in mitigating losses.
According to official sources, the State exports Rs 3,500 crore worth shrimp as the aqua farmers are cultivating 2 lakh acres with an average output of half a ton per acre. Yet, the shrimp industry in the State is losing huge amounts annually due to diseases.
The area under shrimp cultivation in Andhra Pradesh has come down from over 5 lakh acres in 1996 to mere 2 lakh in 2007.
In mid-nineties 2.5 lakh farmers were involved in cultivation and over 10 lakh people used to depend on the industry.
Now, only 40,000 farmers are cultivating shrimp in the State, mostly in Prakasam, Nellore, Krishna and East and West Godavari districts.
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Source: Newindpress.com
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