Alappuzha: As Vannamei prawns (whiteleg prawns) has huge demand in global market, it has high scope for export. It is widely cultivated in Andhra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and is brought to the processing units in Kerala spending a huge amount. The prawn farmers have been approaching the government for initiating Vannamei cultivation in the state.
A group of 25 farmers had started Vannamei cultivation in biofloc method in Alappuzha recently. The prawns are now ready to harvest. The prawns brought from Puducherry is deposited in the tanks that have a diameter of 20 metres.
Six lakh litres of water is filled in the tanks and Vannamei prawns are deposited in a certain quantity. Oxygen is supplied 24 hours a day. Prawns grow within 120 days and will be ready to harvest.
Fisheries department is planning to propagate Vannamei cultivation in all biofloc farms. The harvested prawns can be given to the processing units in the state. They will also initiate steps to make available subside for the farmers.
At least 700 kilograms of Vannamei can be harvested every four months from the biofloc. This will help the farmers to gain more income. Upto 100 tonnes of Vannamei prawns can be produced in the bioflocs every year. The farmers also request the authorities to help start cultivation in barren lands.
