U Tun Win Aung, Head of Department of Fisheries in Labutta Township, reported on the successful pilot farming of hybrid freshwater shrimps in the Ayeyawady Region.
As Labutta Township in the Ayeyawady Region is situated along the coast, seawater shrimp farming has been successful, benefiting from the high influx of seawater. However, in response to the increasing local demand and a thriving market, the pilot farming of hybrid freshwater shrimp has also demonstrated promising results.
U Tun Win Aung stated, “Seawater shrimp farming is primarily conducted in areas at high salinity levels, including Labutta Township. However, there is a growing trend toward hybrid freshwater shrimp. These hybrid shrimps are not the original species of Myanmar. The shrimps can be bred commercially, with from 80,000 shrimps up to 100,000 shrimps on a one-acre plot. The breeding cycle takes just six months, after which these shrimps can be sent to the market. Cold storage facilities operate not only for export but also for local consumption. The shrimp weight range from one and a half tical (24 grammes) to three ticals (49 grammes). Despite being situated in a high-salinity area, pilot farms of hybrid freshwater shrimp have yielded promising results. Shrimp farming in this region is steadily increasing, with shrimp farmers from other salinity areas also coming to learn about freshwater shrimp farming.”
It is reported that hybrid freshwater shrimps are being bred on 115 acres of land on a trial basis in Labutta Township. — ASH/TMT
