Shrimp Farming: A Beginner’s Guide to Business Operations

Shrimp farming is a very easy and profitable business. It is actually an aquaculture business that exists in marine or fresh water. The main purpose of this company is the production of prawns or prawns for human consumption.

Saltwater shrimp farming is particularly popular in many Asian countries and is a very ancient activity. Ten years ago, shrimp was considered a secondary crop in traditional fish farming systems.

Shrimp fingerlings captured from salt beds, coastal rice paddies or brackish water fish ponds can grow to commercial size and be harvested as a secondary crop.

But in recent years, ranchers have begun to grow shrimp commercially as a staple crop. Many farmers have turned their rice paddies, fish ponds and salt marshes into shrimp farms.

Traditionally, fish ponds are stocks of fingerlings taken from the wild or concentrated by tidal water entering the ponds.

But today, most shrimp producers use modern systems to produce shrimp. And high productivity is possible on a small plot of land.

Freshwater shrimp farming is gradually becoming popular. The global annual production of freshwater prawns in 2010 was around 670,000 tonnes. And China is the biggest producer. [1]

Benefits of the shrimp trade

Shrimp farming has many advantages and benefits. Therefore, it is gradually gaining popularity. Here we try to describe the main advantages of this company.

  • Commercial shrimp farming is a very old business. And many people are already in this business for profit.
  • Starting this business is very easy. Even beginners can start with basic training.
  • If you already have a pond, you can use it to grow shrimp.
  • Most types of shrimp usually grow quickly. Thus, you will be able to make good profits in a very short time.
  • Shrimp can be harvested with other types of fish. But for good production, only shrimp should be grown.
  • You can start a saltwater or freshwater shrimp farming business, depending on the type of water available in your area.
  • If you want to raise poultry on your farm, you can build a house above a shrimp pond.
  • Commercial shrimp farming is good business and profitable. Thus, it can be an excellent source of employment for rural residents.
  • Commercial manufacturing can also be a good source of employment for educated unemployed youth.
  • The cost of constructing a pond or reservoir is high. But the return is also good. Shrimps grow faster, so you will soon be reimbursed.
  • Today, most areas where shrimp farming is popular have many hatcheries. So you can probably get fried easily.
  • The demand and price for shrimp, both locally and internationally, is very high.
  • Shrimps are popular all over the world. So you don’t have to worry about marketing your products. You will probably be able to sell your products in the local market.
  • Shrimps are very tasty and nutritious. And you can enjoy fresh shrimp if you start growing them in your own farm.

How to Start a Shrimp Farming Business

As we mentioned above, shrimp farming is very easy and simple. Even beginners can start this business. But you need to be trained if you want to raise shrimp in tanks using modern technology.

So, try to get some practical knowledge before you start large-scale commercial production. Here we try to describe in more detail the steps involved in setting up and operating a successful shrimp farm.

Land selection

First of all, you need to choose a very good place to start this business. It will be better if the chosen place is quiet, without noise and pollution. It will be good to avoid residential areas.

Make sure the area you choose has electricity, water, and good transportation systems. If your existing land has all of these characteristics, you can begin commercial production on your land.

Type of your farm

You can start growing shrimp in different ways. You can use earthen ponds, concrete tanks, plastic tanks or any other type of water tank to grow shrimp.

Basin design and construction

Consult a shrimp farmer in your area for good advice on pond design and construction. Usually a simple pond with sufficient water depth is ideal for shrimp farming.

You can also contact your nearest fishing institute to find out more about a particular pond design. Proper pond maintenance helps keep fish healthy and also ensures better growth.

Tank configuration

If you want to grow shrimp in tanks, you need to build the tanks perfectly. You can make a tank out of concrete, plastic or any other type. Please consult a specialist for more details.

Soil quality

Before you start raising shrimp, you need to analyze the soil types and structure in your chosen area. Take soil samples from an arbitrary location (preferably at a depth of 0.5 meters).

And perform physical and chemical tests to determine acidity, organic matter, fertility levels, and physical composition.

Having enough clay in the soil is important for shrimp growth. Sandy or sandy-loamy soils are considered good for industrial production.

Water quality

Maintaining good water quality is also important for shrimp farming. Water quality includes all the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics inherent in water.

The correct pH level is a very important factor for a shrimp farming business. The pH range of the water should be between 7.5 and 8.5.

Also determine fluctuations in the level of dissolved oxygen in the water. And this level should not be less than 4 ppm.

kinds of shrimp

Choosing the right shrimp is very important. You can choose giant river prawns if you live in freshwater areas. And you can opt for giant tiger prawns if you have access to salt water. Choose a breed based on availability in your area.

some products

It is the most important part of modern commercial shrimp farming. Because a good and nutritious diet ensures better growth and maximum productivity.

Traditional shrimp producers depend on the natural food source of shrimp. But if you want to have a good harvest, you need to provide them with adequate supplementary feeding.

Today, many companies make commercial shrimp feed. This food is specially designed to feed shrimp. You can use these ready-to-use commercial products to improve your production.

reproduction

You should buy fingerlings from hatcheries, not grow them on your own farm. Shrimp farming is very difficult and requires a lot of money and technical knowledge.

Care and other management

Good shrimp care is essential for commercial production. Good care helps shrimp stay healthy and grow better. So try to take good care of them.

Regularly monitor the health of your shrimp. And seek professional help if you have any problems.

Harvest

Most types of shrimp grow quickly. They will very quickly reach a marketing weight. You can pick up all the shrimp at once or pick up the biggest one first, then the smallest one. There are many local methods for harvesting shrimp.

Marketing

Selling shrimp is very easy. This is one of the main advantages of shrimp farming. You will probably be able to easily sell your products in the local market.

These are the general steps and ways to successfully start and run a shrimp farming business. It is very simple and straightforward. I hope this guide has helped you! Good luck and God bless you!

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