July 24, 2006

Iran's shrimp industry recovers slowly from shrimp virus

Some 95 percent of the Iran's shrimp production would be exported by next March, when the total output is expected to reach 5,000 tonnes, said the head of State Aquatics Farming and Exports Cooperative Company.

Qassemi further said that shrimp exports stood at 2,800 tonnes in the year to March 2006, when production declined due to the White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), which wiped out many shrimp farms.

He also lamented local consumption of just 0.1 gramme a year.

The figure needs to rise to 200 grammes a year, he said, adding that the industry should triple production if consumption was to increase.

He also stressed that given the country's extensive coastlines, shrimp production could increase significantly.

The official said shrimp production experienced a three-fold jump during 1997-2002, before the WSSV began to destroy the industry.

Last year, shrimp production went down again by 60 percent.

Out of the estimated total losses of 84 billion rials (US$9.16 million), farmers have received 60 billion rials ( US$6 million ) in compensation from the government.