8 September 2009 there is lot of interest in India in tilapia culture, with the official permission granted by the Government of India, some of the companies are set to enter into tilapia production. The second technical session included a presentation by Dr. Matthew Briggs on the culture of P. vannamei and its suitability for India. Since India has officially permitted the introduction of P. Vannamei. Issues related to its susceptibility for disease and the spread of new viruses were also discussed. While there is considerable controversy on the introduction and promotion of the species and its culture at the cost of tiger shrimp, the need to exercise care in the culture of this species in biosecure environments was highlighted. Success in producing organic giant freshwater shrimp was presented by Mr. Simon John, Joint Director of MPEDA. The technical partnership between MPEDA and SIPPO (Swiss Import Promotion Programme) has enabled the development of technology and certification by Naturland of Germany to meet European market requirements. Mr. N. R. Umesh from the National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Development discussed the revival of shrimp farming through evolving better management practices (BMP). The spectacular success achieved in organizing a large number of farmer groups and helping them follow good aquaculture practices that help eliminate disease risks is a technology evolved by MPEDA-NACA partnership. Today, the BMP are used in many parts of the world and are proving to be good tools to ensure sustainable farming practices. Dr. Neil Svennevig from Denmark presented the potentials available at present for the offshore farming in India and emphasized the need for using species that can be cultured in periods of 6-8 months. Because of the geographical location and environment, only some areas are suitable and such sites can be chosen for developing the technology. The session Chaired by Mr. Vishnu Bhat with Dr. M.C. Nandeesha from WAS serving as the panelist highlighted the scope for organic aquaculture as well as hasten costal aquaculture development through BMP. In order to promote BMP in a big way, the need to create well trained practitioners was emphasized. In the last session, Dr. Sena DeSilva , Director General of NACA presented the keynote address on new challenges confronting Asian aquaculture. He remarked on how small scale aquaculture is the backbone to Asian aquaculture and the way that type of aquaculture is helping the poor by providing food and economic security. The examples of how catfish culture and the culture of rohu in Vietnam are helping the country earn foreign exchange through exports and creating of employment was also highlighted. He also pointed at the need to give highest importance to food quality standards, traceability and certification, in view of changing market trends. The effort of NACA to evolve regionally acceptable certification standards involving all member Governments was presented. Asian farmers, being small scale in nature, need to be organized into groups to help them derive best benefits from the purchase of inputs to marketing their products. As product quality is the key factor, such organizations of farmers into groups helps in meeting the international standards for the products produced Dr. R. Paul Raj, Secretary to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority of India presented the new guidelines evolved by the agency that have been set up as per the directions of the supreme court of India. The registration of all farms involved in costal aquaculture is now mandatory and the farms have to follow established norms to prevent pollution and promote sustainable farming practices. Ms. Shirlene Maria from INFOFISH presented the market trends for various sea foods and highlighted the growing market for tilapia globally. Also, value added products are gaining popularity with the changing economies and life styles of the people in many areas. The symposium concluded with a presentation by Prof. Shankar on biosecurity in aquaculture. As culture systems are being intensified, the need for promoting bio-secure culture practices to safeguard the environment and prevent the spread of diseases were highlighted. The session was Co-Chaired by Dr. Vasudevappa from the National Fisheries Development Corporation and Mr. K.Thomas, Director of Marketing with Mr. D. Ramraj serving as the panelist. It was pointed out that Indian aquaculture should focus on developing better management practices wherever available. Certification being a key issue, it was suggested by the panel to focus on that aspect and develop procedures that can help small farmers. — Dr. M.C.Nandeesha World Aquaculture Society
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