Mangaluru: The Indian Aquaculturists in both east and western maritime states are now looking at alternative crustaceans and Mollusk species for feeding domestic and export markets. Following shrimp farming becoming untenable due to the wide ranging diseases like white spot among the popular crustacean -shrimp, the farmers and the Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is all set to popularise the Mud crab (Mangrove crab) species. At least two spots on the Karnataka coast at Chitrapu in Dakshina Kannada and Thallur in Udupi District have been identified as potential spots commercial farming of Mud crabs.
A group of farmers who have the right mix of geographical areas under lease have undergone training in Goa. Chitrapu or Thallur or both that have been turned into commercial farms after being launched as demo farms have led the revolution in mariculture.
Mud crabs grow up to gain a body weight of 1-1.5 kgs and command good international market price particularly in Europe and US and recently in India uptown eateries have started serving them and have caught the attention of the consumers. They are hardy and disease resistant, they can be transported long distances without water, they can remain in dry environment inside the cargo container for more than 36 hours which is exactly the ‘farm to plate’ distance and time as per the international standards of transporting reefer cargo.
Senior scientists (Aqua) of the MPEDA at Karwar told that the farmers were really happy to learn about the prospects rearing mud crabs, we have given them the insights and some experiential inputs. There are four species of mud crab, Scylla Serrata, S. Tranquebarica, S. Paramamosain and S. Olivacea that are the focus of both commercial fisheries and mariculture production throughout their distribution. They are among the most valuable crab species in the world, with the bulk of their commercial production sent live to market. This is the first FAO aquaculture manual on this genus, covering everything from its basic biology and aquaculture production, through to stock packaging and being ready to go to market. Small self-help groups can also take up the mud crab rearing, in Kumta, Honnavar, and Karwar few groups of women have taken it up and have reaped good dividends, stated the officials.
*According to Coastal Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) sources the mud crabs are in demand both in domestic and export market mainly UK US,Australia and the West Asian countries.
*There are two hatcheries in Sirkali near Pondicherry and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. There are ample opportunities for one such hatchery in Karnataka also.
*UNDP and FAO also supports Mud Crab projects all over the world.