Secretary of Fisheries Explores Innovations in Shrimp Farming during Visit to Kalinga Pattinam
Srikakulam, 25 DEC 2023: Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, recently visited Kalinga Pattinam in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh. The purpose of the visit was to engage with shrimp farmers, gaining insights into the challenges faced by saline water shrimp farmers at the grassroots level.
During the visit, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi interacted with shrimp farmers who shared insights into adopting innovative technologies, particularly the 4-step farming approach with Bio-floc technology. This cutting-edge culture system includes fully lined ponds in high bio-secured conditions, incorporating advanced features like auto feeders, central drainage/sludge removal, and IoT-based water parameter monitoring. These technologies aim to enhance productivity, utilizing less culture area and accommodating high stocking densities.
Srikakulam District stands out as one of the leading shrimp-producing districts in India, consistently maintaining high shrimp quality due to its elevated culture area compared to other regions. The district significantly contributes to India’s shrimp exports to various countries.
In Kalinga Pattinam alone, the current shrimp culture area exceeds 1000 acres, closely linked to numerous feed companies. The farms, situated along the Srikakulam Sea coast, operate under stringent bio-secured conditions. Annually, these farms produce approximately 40,000 tons of shrimp, with an average body weight of 20 grams, contributing nearly Rs 10,000 crore to the economy. Engaging nearly 600 farmers and providing direct livelihoods to approximately 5000 individuals, these farms play a pivotal role in the region’s economic landscape.
A notable establishment in the region is OWJANYA AQUATICS, situated in Tonangi village, Gara Mandal, Srikakulam District. Owned by progressive farmer Shri Datla Venkata Laxmipathi Raju, this farm operates on a cluster-farming model, covering over 1000 acres and involving nearly 600 farmers in and around Srikakulam District.
