November 27, 2013

Representatives of the brokerage, Bualuang Securities, made the comment after visiting two aquaculture farms in which TUF has equity stakes. There, the team was able to see that farmers had been able to successfully deal with the early mortality syndrome (EMS) by using bio-plus bacteria to consume food which normally would have been eaten by EMS bacteria, The Nation reported.

The report focuses on the situation of the two shrimp farms, the Thai Union Hatchery Co Ltd (TUH) in Phang-nga and TMK Farm Co Ltd (TMK) in Trang. These centres were visited on November 21-22 and it was found that the EMS survival rate has improved since mid-year.

According to the TUF's management, the global shrimp supply is currently undergoing a 10% deficit as a result of EMS. In Thailand, production fell by 50%, while Vietnam witness a 10% drop. Both China and Malaysia suffered a 30% drop.

In addition, it is reported that since the mid-year, productivity and survival rates have grown from 10%-15%. The shrimp survival rate is now 65% and the yield is about two tonnes per rai (equivalent to 1,600 square metres).