KOCHI: Re-igniting the prospects of prawn farming in the state, the first batch of organically-cultivated Tiger Prawns will be harvested in Kumbalangi, on Wednesday. Highly-priced in the international market (approximately Rs 470 to Rs 640 per kg), Tiger Prawns - essentially a marine species - were introduced in 13 farms across the state under a project initiated by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). While Kumbalangi adds another first to its growing list of achievements, the other 12 units are nearing their maturity period of around six months. They are expected to be ready before the onset of monsoon.“Though various species of fish are being cultivated organically, it’s the first time that Tiger Prawn is being cultivated in the state,” said N G Biju, of MPEDA, the project field co-ordinator.“Similar projects had been implemented in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal and were found successful. Organically-cultivated prawns seeds have high immunity. Globally, demand for organic produce is on the rise. The farmers will get a premium price for their produce,” he added.While the MPEDA provides technical and financial assistance, prawn seeds and feeds are distributed by WAB Trading International, a private company.“The MPEDA provides 50 per cent subsidy of the investment made by the farmers. WAB trading international distributes disease-free seeds and organic food. The company also procures the produce from the farmers. The harvested prawns will be produced in a plant which has organic certification,” Biju said. The farm in Kumbalangi is owned by C V Mathew. Six years ago, Mathew had decided to abandon shrimp farming after he suffered a loss due to the outbreak of diseases in the farm. “I decided to try my luck again when the MPEDA and Kumbalangi Model Tourism Development Society (KMTDS) approached me with the idea of organic farming. The MPEDA provided all assistance,” he said. I sowed the seeds on February 13 and the prawns are ready for harvesting in just 85 days. The cultured prawn is as big as those available in the sea. About 30 prawns form a kilogram,” Mathew said.“Organic farming of prawns is an idea initiated by Union Minister K V Thomas. We hope the Kumbalangi lesson will be a trend-setter in aquaculture,” said Shaji Kuruppassery of KMTDS.
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