Krishna gears up for aquaculture inspection

‘At least four hatcheries in district ordered to close down’

The Krishna district authorities have swung into action to ensure international standards in aquaculture ahead of the scheduled visit of European Union experts in Andhra Pradesh on November 23.

The State government was forced to ensure international standards in aquaculture in wake of rejection of Vennamei production from Andhra Pradesh by the European Union countries recently, citing indiscriminate usage of antibiotics.

“At least four illegal hatcheries have been ordered to close down, in Krishna district. Banned antibiotics were not found in the suspected feed samples collected from the aqua shops,” Krishna District Collector B. Lakshmikantam told

The Hindu .

In a bid to ensure better quality and hygienic aqua processing and cultivation practices, an exercise has been launched to identify exclusive aqua zones across the district. “The existing aqua ponds across the district have been divided into the 12 aqua zones, in which only non-fertile land will be encouraged for aquaculture. The aquaculture in the 7,981 acres of land along the Krishna river bed will be stopped,” added Mr. Lakshminantam.

In the 12 aqua zones, a total of 80143 acres of land is under the aquaculture including 21877 acres of brackishwater aquaculture.

Banned antibiotics

The fisheries department and special teams have already inspected 180 aqua shops in the Krishna district, to identify sales of any banned antibiotics.