Trade Minister Chairs meeting to increase income from shrimp exports to USD 600 mn within three years

Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena speaking at the meeting. State Minister of Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish and Shrimp Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, Multi day Fishing Activities and Fish Exports Kanchana Wijesekera is also present.

A special discussion was held at the Ministry of Trade recently on the development of “Wanami” shrimp farming in the Puttalam District, a Ministry release said.

It said: State Minister of Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish and Shrimp Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, Multi day Fishing Activities and Fish Exports Kanchana Wijesekera also participated in the meeting which was chaired by Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena.

At present there are about 2,924 shrimp farms in the Puttalam District. The project to develop Wanami shrimp farming aims to achieve an export income of US $ 600 million within three years. Introducing a biological life protection system for the existing shrimp farming and increasing the shrimp production by 100,000 metric tons within a period of three years have been identified as other objectives.

Accordingly, a one year interest free loan for shrimp farmers and a number of new project proposals related to marine fisheries resources were also discussed.