September 2, 2010

Thailand drafts new shrimp production strategy

Thailand's Fisheries Department has drafted its second proactive strategy plan for its shrimp farming for the next three years to upgrade national production capacity, adopt proactive marketing and research before submitting its draft for Cabinet approval.

Fisheries Department director-general, Dr Somying Piemsomboon, said the agency in cooperation with Kasetsart University's Center of Applied Economic Research has passed its shrimp strategy second draft for a public hearing and the process was officially approved according to national strategic plan processes.

The strategy will be developed as a proactive and unified method with a vision that developing Thai shrimp can lead the national economy by its production standard, while being both sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

"Marketing to lead production" is the slogan proposed as a guideline to temporarily develop Thailand's shrimp industry proactively from 2010-13.

Five dimensions of the vision are to increase the area devoted to shrimp farming and breeding, raise production to international standards, add more value to processed shrimp products after harvest, upgrading market potential at all levels, and push forward for research for further development of the Thai shrimp industry.

The Fisheries Department has already adjusted the framework and management plan.

Thailand's shrimp harvest yields 500,000-550,000 tonnes annually, accounting for 28% of the world's shrimp production. Over 90% of Thailand's shrimp produce is for export in the form of refrigerated, frozen and processed shrimp.

99% of shrimp farming in the country is for whiteleg shrimps, while the other 1% is for black tiger shrimp. Overall farming can generate revenues of over several hundred million baht.