MPEDA to promote mud crab culture in mangroves

Here is some good news for fisherwomen and Self Help Groups (SHGs) interested in cultivating mud crabs in the mangroves in the district.

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is planning to allot funds for SHGs in Nagayalanka, Avanigadda, Machilipatnam and other sea coast mandals to raise mud crabs, also known as mangrove crabs.

Mud crabs, raised in mangroves along the coast, have a good demand in Japan, Thailand, China and other countries. Fishermen are exporting quality mud crabs, said MPEDA Chairman Leena Nair.

“MPEDA is planning to boost export revenue and export of crabs will certainly help in increasing the country’s Foreign Exchange (FE). We will identify SHGs interested in cultivating mangrove crabs in AP,” said Ms. Nair.

Livelihood for SHGs

MPEDA Deputy Director (Aquaculture) S. Kandan said that some fishermen families are engaged in catching crabs from mangroves and from the coast to eke out their livelihood.

But, the MPEDA has evolved plans to introduce mud crab cultivation along the sea coast in the State.

“Mangroves are located at Machilipatnam, Avanigadda, Nagayalanka (in Krishna district) and Kakinada (in East Godavari district). There is scope to boost export revenue by introducing mangrove crab culture, which will ensure livelihood for fisherwomen and SHGs,” Dr. Kandan said.

“Price of mud crab depends on its size and weight. A fully grown crab weighs around a kg and fetches around Rs. 300 to 400 in local markets. Male crab will be bigger in size compared to their female counterparts,” said a fisherwoman S. Lakshmi of Edurumondi village.

Once mangrove crabs are shipped to other countries, the cost would be around Rs. 1,000 and above in the international market, said a trader K. Ramakrishna.

Export of crabs will certainly help in increasing the country’s Foreign Exchange. We will identify SHGs interested in cultivating mangrove crabs in A.P.

Leena Nair,MPEDA Chairman