With the global demand for crabs on the rise, expanding crab farming in Bangladesh presents a significant opportunity for the country to boost its export earnings.
But developing this sector requires increased research and collaboration between government and non-government entities, experts say.
The comments were made at a workshop titled Possibilities of the Crab Industry in Bangladesh, Existing Problems and Possible Actions, held at the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) building in Agargaon on Tuesday, says a press release.
The workshop was presided over by PKSF Managing Director Dr Nomita Halder ndc. Dr Benoy Kumar Barman, Interim Country Representative of the WorldFish Bangladesh was the guest of honor.
PKSF Additional Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader delivered the opening remarks. The event was organized under the Resilient Homestead and Livelihood Support to Vulnerable Coastal People of Bangladesh (RHL) project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It was moderated by PKSF Deputy Managing Director Dr Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed.
Md Abu Nashir Khan, Assistant General Manager of PKSF, presented keynote paper Introduction of PKSF and PKSFs Interventions for Crab Subsector. Dr Mojibar Rahman of UNDP Bangladesh presented on Potentiality of Mud Crab Industry in Bangladesh, Existing Challenges and Possible Actions.
Dr Muhammad Meezanur Rahman, Aquaculture Scientist of WorldFish Bangladesh, made a presentation on Artemia Pond Culture/Progress and Prospects.
Speakers at the workshop highlighted various steps taken by PKSF to develop crab farming, including the establishment of crab hatcheries, crablet production at the entrepreneurial level, establishment of crab nurseries, and the expansion of crab farming technologies.
Through specialized activities under the RHL project, PKSF aims to support the governments efforts to increase crab export against the backdrop of a growing demand in the international markets, speakers said.
During the open discussion session, representatives from various government and non-governmental organizations, including PKSFs Partner Organizations, shared their experiences and insights on crab farming.
