The New Nation - Internet Edition

ACCORDING to the draft 'National Shrimp Policy 2008', the government is going to brand shrimp 'a cent per cent' foreign exchange earning good, besides encouraging public initiatives and private investment in shrimp cultivation, processing and export. The proposed national policy is to 'expedite shrimp farming through developed technology sustainable in the local socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions. As reported by media recently, recommendations made already by exporters' associations and individuals would be in the shrimp policy. Planned farming of shrimp it is said would increase per-hectare production and income two to three times as broadly indicated by officials concerned.

Bangladesh is trying to build a hygienically safe, economically viable, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible shrimp industry as stated by the Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation at a meeting organised by the Global Works Foundation in Washington recently. All the required steps either have already been taken or are in the process of implementation. The national policy would serve as guideline. The Fisheries and Livestock Ministry has recently completed evaluation of the shrimp industry in order to make it viable as an export sector.

At present, 2.17 lakh hectares of land and about 1.5 crore people are engaged in shrimp farming. The proposed policy soon after completing all the required processes should come into effect. The draft shrimp policy has also proposed introducing practical education on shrimp farming in science textbooks at primary and secondary schools while steps are to be taken to create opportunities of higher education on the subject at local and international levels. In view of the growing demand for shrimp in the global market, the government and other stakeholders are serious now to take steps to make the shrimp industry compliant with national and international labour norms and standards.