Monday, 17 January 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
Aquaculture company Kings Infra Venture Ltd has set a world record in the growth of pond-based aquaculture of L Vannamei shrimps by harvesting shrimps weighing 80 grammes (210 mm). L Vannamei commonly known as the whiteleg shrimp are native to the eastern Pacific Ocean. The maximum size which the species can grow in the natural ocean habitat at an age of 12-14 months as per the FAO and other research organisations, is a maximum of 230 mm. To achieve similar growth in a pond-based aquaculture system in a period of 100-130 days is an incredible feat according to experts. The average size of harvested shrimps is 18-20 gm in the normal aqua farms. The record-breaking growth was achieved in normal earthen ponds by applying SISTA360 protocols developed by the research and development wing of the Kings Infra.
Kings Infra chairman and managing director Shaji Baby John said, “The information available with us shows that there is no record of these shrimps weighing 80 gms each being grown in an aquafarm anywhere in the world. The SISTA360 protocol farming practice, a proprietary system developed by our R&D team has enabled us to achieve this record,” he said.
The achievement gains further significance as the farm used only antibiotic-free feed, probiotics, and natural supplements, he said. Ingredients like curd, jaggery, turmeric, moringa leaves, garlic, tamarind, and other ingredients were used regularly under SISTA360 protocol to improve immunity, disease resistance and growth rates, he added.
As against the average farm gate price of $5 per kg for farmed shrimp this initiative would help in realising $15 per kg from the same pond. The success would help show the importance of the new technology for doubling export earnings from fisheries sector to Rs 1,00,000 crore as envisaged under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), said the CMD.
