The CAA, set up under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005, issued the licence based on the varsity's request to convert the newly-built multi-hatchery complex at Puthuvype station into a vannamei shrimp hatchery, reports TheTimesOfIndia.
In the initial stage, the hatchery will function as a Nauplius Rearing Centre, which has a capacity to produce two million seeds a year. In the first phase, the hatchery will be used for the university's purpose and that of the aqua farmers associated with the varsity.
"With the establishment of the hatchery in the state, vannamei farming will be more popular among the farmers in the state. The new hatchery will help to popularize shrimp culture in the state thereby boosting shrimp exports from Kerala," said Kufos vice-chancellor B Madhusoodana Kurup.
The pilot farming of vannamei shrimp carried out by the university earlier was a huge success. It had proved that 5.5 to 6 tonnes of shrimp could be produced from one hectare, resulting in an approximate profit of Rs 14 lakh. After the trial farming, Kufos had conducted a state-wide training programme on vannamei culture for shrimp farmers.
Kufos will start the second phase of the vannamei farming next month.
