Factors influencing the production of tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in Bagherhat

Abstract

A study was conducted to identify the factors which influence the production of tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) from Fakirhat, Mongla and Rampal Upazila under Bagerhat district. Data were collected from shrimp farms from 2012-2014 of above mentioned regions. Three uniform sized (0.202 Hectare) farms of improved extensive culture system and one uniform sized (0.121 Hectare) farm of extensive culture system were selected for the in depth analysis of the issue. The aforesaid improved extensive farms have water exchange facility and other farms were stagnant water bodies. The experiment was done for two production cycles from February-2013 to December 2014. Previously practiced farms were selected for this experiment with close observation. Farm preparation, stocking density, feeding and other management were almost the same. During this experiment all parameters were monitored and collected regular basis. Now a days shrimp culture pattern has been changed especially in stocking system in comparison to its initial stage. Most of the farmers are practicing improved extensive culture system, they stock shrimp with giant fresh water prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), Horina chingri (Metapenaeus monoceros), Chaka chingri (Feneropenaeus indicus) and some brackish water fin fishes. Bagda and Golda production is not satisfactory according to stocking number but this practice is very common in this area. Mortality normally happened when Bagda reach in a size of 80-90 pieces per Kg. Fin fishes are stocked to mitigate the loss and also to have additional production. After this experiment it was observed that production of tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) depends on various factors like inadequate water exchange, salinity fluctuation, accessing polluted water, feeding, disease outbreak, water parameters, soil condition, water depth, culture techniques, variable stocking density & stocking patterns, lack of good quality post larvae, lack of knowledge, predation and many other social factors like income level, education level, poaching, rumor, etc. The production of this shrimp farms can be improved by introducing better management practices viz. farm preparation, water exchange, maintaining water depth, quality PL stocking, optimizing PL density and proper feeding practices for the major farms of the study area. The improvement of shrimp sector is vital. It can only be achieved from the proper guidance of shrimp culture techniques, improved inputs and supply chain, governmental support.