Published at: The Financial Express, March 31, 2019
Crab production witnessed a rise in the fiscal year 2016-2017(FY17) compared to that of fiscal year 2015-2016 (FY16), according to official data.
Subsequently, the data also revealed that the area of crab farming also witnessed a hike in FY17 compared to that of the previous fiscal year.
14,421 tonnes of crab were produced in FY17 on 27,010 hectares of land, which was 13,160 tonnes in FY16 on 19,408 hectares of land, as per the data provided by the Department of Fisheries (DOF).
Crab is the main produce in coastal area in the country, said the department.
Recently, traditional mud crab (Scylla serrata) production is in practice. Mud crab is recognised as a valuable export commodity.
After shrimp, mud crabs have become the second-most exported crustacean from Bangladesh. Because of high prices in international markets, mud crab farming is gaining popularity in the coastal districts.
It is being harvested in Khulna, Barisal and Chattogram regions. Mud crabs are less susceptible to disease and more resistant to adverse environmental conditions and climate change.
As the demand for gravid female of Scylla serrata is gaining popularity in the south-east Asian countries, a sustainable aquaculture technology has been developed.
Culture of juvenile crab in pen and cage is now in practice in some selected areas of the country.
This technology and production performance of crab cultivation changed the socio-economic condition of many communities and gaining popularity among farmers.
The DOF is implementing a project for the development of culture and management of crab in the selected coastal regions.
