In March 2015, the Government of Bangladesh announced an ambitious initiative to strengthen the country’s
shrimp and aquaculture sector by investing heavily in infrastructure, research, and quality improvement.
According to the Department of Fisheries, the project—valued at approximately BDT 30 billion (around USD
38 million)—aimed to modernize shrimp farming systems, enhance hatchery operations, and improve post-
harvest processing facilities across key coastal districts.
The initiative was designed to address persistent challenges in the shrimp industry, such as poor water
management, disease outbreaks, and low productivity. It also sought to upgrade existing cold storage units,
establish new ice plants, and introduce better transport logistics for maintaining the freshness of exported
seafood. Technical training and capacity-building programs were planned to assist smallholder farmers in
adopting sustainable aquaculture practices.
A central component of the project focused on developing disease-free shrimp seed production and
introducing quality control measures through improved laboratory testing and certification. The government
also emphasized environmental sustainability by promoting better water and soil management practices in
coastal areas, particularly in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat, where shrimp cultivation is a primary source of
income for thousands of families.
Industry experts welcomed the project, noting that such an investment could improve Bangladesh’s global
competitiveness in shrimp exports, particularly in the European and North American markets. By ensuring
stricter quality control and improving production efficiency, Bangladesh aimed to meet international standards
and regain market share lost to neighboring producers.
The project also aligned with the country’s broader Blue Economy vision—an initiative to maximize the
sustainable use of marine and aquatic resources. Officials expressed confidence that with proper implementation
and monitoring, this investment could generate employment, boost rural livelihoods, and contribute
significantly to export earnings in the coming years.
The launch of the shrimp infrastructure project in March 2015 marked an important milestone for Bangladesh’s
fisheries sector, signaling the government’s determination to transform aquaculture into a modern, sustainable,
and export-driven industry.
Source link:
https://www.undercurrentnews.com/2015/03/20/bangladesh-takes-up-38m-project-to-develop-shrimp-farming-
infrastructure/
