Bangladesh shrimp sector in recovery

Bangladesh's shrimp industry, heavily centred in Satkhira district, has faced significant challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with shrimp export values falling to $300m in 2022-2023, a decline of $107m from the previous year. Despite ongoing struggles, the sector is showing signs of recovery through the increased cultivation of giant river prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), known locally as Galda. The shift is driven by Galda's higher disease resistance and profitability compared to the traditional giant tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon). In 2023-2024, Galda exports from Satkhira surged to $7m, up from $4.8m, with production also increasing by 1,000 tonnes. The positive trend is supported by the local demand, where Galda can fetch significantly higher prices, and the UK is the primary international market. The sector's revival is further facilitated by the shift towards local consumption and the need for improved hatchery support to sustain this growth. (The Fish Site)