The measures should also help to protect the availability of raw materials for export and maintain the current export level.
MPEDA, after detailed discussions with the scientific advisors and all stakeholders including SEAI, AISHA, SAP and Farmers Federations, has come to the conclusion that it is very essential to take the following steps immediately:
- Inspection and drawing of samples from hatcheries, the available broodstock, nauplii, PLs, seeds, shrimps, feed including feed supplements / probiotics, live feed, chilled moist feed, etc.
- Inspection and drawing of samples from farms and peeling sheds.
- Inspection of documents pertaining to import, purchase, sale, transport etc. in farms, hatcheries and peeling sheds.
- Confiscation and destruction of stock where required from hatchery, farm, peeling shed, etc.
- Closure of hatcheries which source broodstock (L. vannamei) from unapproved origin and involved in the production of shrimp seeds and ponds where unauthorized rearing of broodstock is taking place and destruction of stock.
- Disinfection of contaminated water in hatcheries and farms.
- Ensure the adoption of suitable scientific measures including crop holiday by all stakeholders including stopping seed production and supply during this period by hatchery operators and stopping fresh stocking of ponds after harvest of the present crop – not later than end of November by farmers.
- Zoning and surveillance of specified areas as directed from time to time.
A crop holiday has therefore been implemented from November to the end of February 2014 and MPEDA believe this will help create a bumper crop in 2014.
