The govt of Punjab inaugurated a demonstration farm and training centre (DFTC) for shrimp farming at Ennakhera village here. The centre is built across 15 acres at a cost of Rs 5 crore. Presently, shrimp farming is being done in the state across 410 acres. The state aims to expand it to 2,500 hectares in the next five years.

Background:

• Around 1.51 lakh ha area of southwest districts of Punjab (Shri Muktsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Bathinda and Mansa) is affected by underground water salinity, water logging and the affected areas are becoming unfit for agricultural activities.
• Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) took over the challenge of rearing brackish water shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) in affected areas of Fazilka  in, 2014.
• About 1.20 tons of shrimp was harvested (FCR 1.21), having an average body weight of 22±0.5 g.
• Net profit in the tune of Rs 97,530 was recorded after a short period of 97 days, which is much higher than any other aquaculture practice, with special reference to freshwater aquaculture.
• This first time breakthrough successes led the Punjab Govt to fund a project in village Rattakhera, Shri Muktsar Sahib under the technical guidance of GADVASU and CIFE (Central Institute of Fisheries Education), Rohtak centre.
• About 4 tons of shrimp was harvested from one acre in a culture period of 106 days which motivated the farmers of other districts to take up vannamei farming.
• At present, the area under shrimp farming in Punjab has increased to about 200 acres in four districts i.e Fazilka, Shri Muktsar Sahib, Mansa and Bathinda, under regular technology backup and monitoring from GADVASU scientists.
• To ensure sustainable shrimp farming in Punjab, there is a need of strict implementation of “Best Management Practices” including purchase of SPF seed from Costal Aquaculture Authority approved hatcheries screened for EHP, WSSV, IHHNV, MBV, AHPND and IMNV, following the recommended bio-security measures for prevention of pathogen carriers/vectors, regular management and monitoring of water quality and health status, reporting of disease outbreak incidents immediately and seek expert advice for control measures.