June 27, 2007

Low demand may cause Thai shrimp production to drop 10 percent
 

Thailand's gross shrimp production might drop to 450,000 tonnes if prices of white shrimp continue to fall, according to the Department of Fisheries.

Recent price drops have caused shrimp farmers to delay their new round of shrimp farming and cut production by about 23 percent.

Deputy Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, Niwat Sutheemeechaikul said the country's gross shrimp production would fall by 40,000 - 50,000 tonnes if the situation continues unchecked.

Niwat also said that farmers had been producing shrimps without heed to the market demand situation.

At the behest of shrimp farmers, Thailand has arranged for fairs in the next few months to encourage domestic consumption.

Retailers such as Tesco Lotus and Carrefour have also been urged to buy more shrimps from farmers.