Kufos to form farmer groups for Vannamei culture

Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) will form farmers’ groups to better organise and spread Vannamei shrimp farming in the State and to help farmers to export the produce without intermediaries.

As part of its efforts, the university also plans to organise an aqua exhibition and extensive training programmes, said a press release here. The aqua exhibition will be held here on August 20 and 21. The exhibition will be a venue for the potential shrimp farmers to meet exporters and feed suppliers.

The university will help the farmers get licences from Coastal Aquaculture Authority, Chennai, for Vannamei farming. For better access to international markets, the university also plans to help farmers get Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification.

The university authorities are of the opinion that the farmers should be able venture into Vannamei farming without large investments initially.

A seafood export group has expressed willingness to offer the farmers Vannamei seeds and feed on a buy-back basis, the press release said citing Vice-Chancellor B. Madhusoodana Kurup. Agencies like the Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture and Coast Aquaculture Authority are cooperating with Kufos in the Vannamei venture.

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