The Bangladesh shrimp industry has been grappling with difficulties in recent years, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a decline in exports, some localities are showing signs of recovery, particularly Satkhira district, which accounts for 70% of the country’s shrimp production.

A Ray of Hope for Exports

In Satkhira district, giant giant tiger prawns are gaining popularity and have become a promising export option. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, exports of giant freshwater prawns skyrocketed by USD 4.8 million compared to the previous year, reaching USD 7 million. This growth is attributed to a significant increase in production and harvesting of giant freshwater prawns.

Many farmers in Satkhira district have abandoned black tiger shrimp farming to focus on giant freshwater prawns. According to the district fisheries department, the shift is driven by the potential for higher profits and better market demand.

Supply Chain Concerns

However, giant freshwater prawn farmers in Bangladesh are currently facing a major challenge: the supply of shrimp seed (PL). Restrictions on purchasing shrimp seed from Sundarbans rivers or forests, combined with an influx of illegally imported shrimp seed from India, have created a shortage. To address this issue, farmers are calling on the government to build shrimp hatcheries to supply disease-free PL shrimp at affordable prices.

Experts recommend that Bangladesh focus on improving genetics, applying low-cost nursery technology, producing monosex shrimp, and improving farming technology to double the output of giant freshwater prawns in the next five years. With these measures in place, the Bangladesh shrimp industry can revitalize its exports and position itself as a major player in the global shrimp market.