Nagpur: In a strategic meeting between Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and the Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (MAFSU), discussions centered around harnessing the potential of shrimp production to stimulate the region’s economy.
State Fisheries Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Rajya Sabha member Dr. Anil Bonde, MLA Ashish Jaiswal, MLA Vasant Khandelwal, former MP Dr. Vikas Mahatme, and other key stakeholders were present during the meeting. The focal point of the discussions was a presentation by Aqua Exchange Company, outlining the advantages of freshwater and saltwater prawn farming in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The company asserted that farmers could potentially yield profits ranging from ₹2-3 lakh per acre in prawn farming. Minister Gadkari emphasized the significance of creating ponds and ensuring seed availability to maximize the benefits of prawn farming. He specifically urged officials to explore the utilization of malgujari ponds, underscoring the importance of their deepening.
Gadkari proposed a coordinated effort among various departments to implement the project, envisioning its potential for Vidarbha farmers to export prawns to the US and other countries, thereby presenting a lucrative opportunity. The minister also disclosed plans for renovating boats for deep-sea fishing and adopting the latest technology in the near future. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of augmenting economic opportunities for farmers through sustainable aquaculture practices.