CCN Online Desk:
EU Funded and WorldFish implemented Artemia4Bangladesh project organized a Workshop on access and availability of input for Artemia and aquaculture production at Seagull Hotel Cox`s Bazar with Artemia and aquaculture farmer cluster leaders, women farmer leaders, feed, fertilizer, and aqua medicine company representatives on 01 August 2023.
Tarapada Chowhan, SUFO, Cox`s Bazar sadar stated that Cox’s Bazar is one of the hubs of producing and exporting shrimp. If Artemia can be produced, processed and used properly, it can be very useful for the country for shrimp as well as crab industry. The number of crab farmers is lessening. This Artemia4Bangladesh project can be an asset for Bangladesh.
Dr. Meezanur Rahman conducted the workshop by saying that In Bangladesh Artemia farming is feasible which is confirmed through this Artemia4Bangladesh in Bangladesh. It is being tried to further continue Artemia farming after this project is over. He emphasized farmers to become self-dependent for accessing inputs on their own for Artemia farming. He stated that Bangladesh needs several thousand tons of Artemia biomass. Farmers should create this Artemia biomass marketplace in Bangladesh. He further stated that Artemia farmers need to build a strong professional network to become successful. He tried to make a bridge between input supplier and Artemia farmers for capacity building.
S.M. Nurun Nabi, ZOR Cordinator, BANA, WorldFish stated that, in aquaculture sector, microcredit facility is rare. He believes A4B is doing great for strengthening capacity of salt farmers at Cox’s Bazar. He predicts Artemia can be used as live food for crab farming to make it flourish.
Mrs. Anowara from Moheshkhali said that she needs local input suppliers who can supply PL, feed, fertilizer, nets etc. One of the fish and vegetable farmers said that we need inputs supply for production in our local area so, that we can easily access and increase our aquaculture production.
Artemia farmer Nurul Islam gave a speech on his Artemia farming experience, how he does it. All the farmers agreed upon the fact that they have now the ability to hatch Artemia from cyst and farm Artemia in pond. He further requested to have the facility of discount offer from suppliers when purchasing inputs for his Artemia and fish culture.
Different feed and fertilizer company suppliers stated their offered services and products and assured to help Artemia and aquaculture farmers to build Artemia and aquaculture marketplace in Cox`s Bazar.
Mr. Bedarul Alam, cluster leader, Chowfaldandi, shared his experience of Artemia farming journey and received training back at 2020. He now confirms that he can continue Artemia farming further on his own even after the Artemia4Bangladesh project ends.
Mr. Masud, MKA, Hatchery said that they have purchased 500kg Artemia biomass this year to use at their hatchery. They want to purchase it in future too. Therefore, he highlighted to ensure Artemia production in best way so that they can transmit no pathogen to shrimp hatchery.
Niribili hatchery personnel put his opinion on how to make inputs easily available to Artemia farmers. He stated that they can supply tilapia and shrimp PL and on the other hand they can purchase Artemia biomass from the farmers.